The 2024 Practical Nigerian Content Conference and Exhibition (PNC) will take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa from December 2 to 5, bringing together key industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from the oil and gas sector. This year marks the 13th edition of the conference, which is organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The theme for this year’s event—”Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation”—indicates the focus on exploring advanced strategies for local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The event will kick off with a golf tournament at the Henry Seriake Golf and Country Club, followed by a welcome reception, setting the stage for robust discussions and networking opportunities.
The formal opening ceremony is scheduled for 9 am on the first day of the conference, featuring a lineup of prominent speakers. Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, will deliver the opening speech, alongside goodwill messages from other industry leaders. Noteworthy attendees include Gbenga Komolafe from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Farouk Ahmed of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. Additionally, government officials such as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, will contribute to the opening remarks. This array of speakers underscores the critical importance of the discussions that will unfold during the event.
On the first day, the conference will include two significant panel discussions. The first, centered on “The Next Frontier for Nigerian Content: Divestments and Offshore Opportunities,” will feature a diverse group of industry leaders including Jim Swartz from Chevron Nigeria and Obi Imemba of TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria. These discussions aim to illuminate the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly as it continues to evolve with internal and external pressures. The second panel will delve into “Evaluating Financial Strategies for Increased Local Content Implementation,” bringing insights from experts including Dr. Omar Ibrahim of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation and Dr. Olasupo Olusi from the Bank of Industry.
The second day of the PNC will build upon the topics discussed on the opening day, featuring further discussions and panels on pressing issues impacting the industry. This structure allows for an ongoing dialogue that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants. The panels are designed not only to discuss existing challenges but also to propose actionable solutions that stakeholders can implement in their respective operations. Significant for the conference will be the unveiling of new operational policies by the NCDMB, indicating forward-thinking strategies aimed at promoting local content growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Alongside the discussions, the PNC will provide a platform for an exhibition showcasing various projects and capabilities from both international and indigenous operating and service companies within the oil and gas industry. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for companies to display their innovations and contributions to the sector while fostering partnerships and investment opportunities. It represents a significant opportunity for companies to connect with potential partners, clients, and investors, thereby enhancing collaboration within the industry.
The 2024 Practical Nigerian Content Conference is poised to be a landmark event that not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for the future development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. With influential speakers, dynamic panels, and a comprehensive exhibition, the PNC aims to engage stakeholders at all levels and drive meaningful discussions that can enhance the implementation of local content in the sector. By focusing on strategic initiatives and leveraging the expertise of industry leaders, the conference seeks to create an actionable framework for enhancing local content and fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, thereby ensuring that the benefits of the sector extend to the local economy and communities.
