Jonathan Reveals China Inspired Nigeria’s Local Content Law, Hails NCDMB’s 61% Growth
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria’s drive to retain more value from its oil and gas industry was inspired by China’s success in building a strong local industry, former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed.
Speaking at the SweetCrude Dialogue 2026 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Jonathan said a visit to China while serving as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa convinced him that Nigeria needed a robust local content policy after witnessing how almost every aspect of China’s oil industry relied on locally sourced expertise and equipment.
That experience, he said, led to his swift assent to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010.
Jonathan praised the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for transforming the sector into a business enabler.
The Board disclosed that local content participation has risen from less than five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent in 2026 through investments in human capacity, industrial infrastructure and community development.
The event also featured calls from government officials and industry stakeholders for renewed commitment to host communities, environmental justice and sustainable development as Nigeria reflects on 70 years of oil and gas production.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
