NCDMB, Seplat Move To Bridge Nigeria’s Gas Research Gap With DELSU Centre
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria’s push to deepen local content in the oil and gas sector is taking a decisive turn from policy frameworks to practical investment, as key stakeholders accelerate plans to establish a specialised research hub in Delta State.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Seplat Energy Plc, has finalised the modalities for the launch of a Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
At a high-level meeting on Monday, management teams from both organisations engaged with principal officers of the university onto discussritical processes required to kick-start the project, which was approved in 2024.
The DELSU centre joins a growing network of similar facilities across institutions such as Niger Delta University, Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University of Technology Akure, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Modibbo Adama University, and Usman Danfodio University.
The initiative stems from a 10-year research and development roadmap commissioned by NCDMB and executed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Representing NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, disclosed that both NCDMB and Seplat have aligned on the project scope, covering infrastructure, equipment, research policy, capacity development, and long-term sustainability.
He affirmed that a team of technical experts has already been assembled, with reinforced oversight by senior management staff to ensure smooth execution.
“The Executive Secretary is fully committed, not just to development but also to execution,” he assured.
On his part, Seplat’s Nigerian Content Manager, Mr Simeon Ogari, said the choice of DELSU was strategic, citing its proximity to the company’s operations, including the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, a 300MMscfd facility operated in partnership with the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company.
He emphasised that the centre would serve as a hub for advanced research and technology incubation, benefiting both the university and the wider energy sector.
Ogari also highlighted the importance of the “Triple Helix Model” collaboration between government, academia, and industry, as key to the project’s success.
Providing further insight, Mr Leonard Okafor, CEO of GOSHEN, the project’s management firm, noted that PwC’s findings revealed Nigeria operates largely as an “enclave economy” with weak intersectoral linkages.
He said the Centre of Excellence is designed to address this gap by strengthening collaboration, infrastructure, capability, legal frameworks, and funding in research.
Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Oghenovo Asagba, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a world-class facility that would enhance the institution’s research profile.
He assured stakeholders of the university’s readiness to meet all requirements, noting that DELSU boasts highly accomplished academics, particularly in science and engineering.
Other contributors, including NCDMB’s General Manager of Quality Assurance, Mr Chris Osuji, and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Silas Ajimijaye, reiterated commitments to quality delivery and sustainability, while urging the university to maximise the opportunity.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s gas sector, positioning DELSU as a key driver of innovation and research in the industry.
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