NCDMB Hosts Stakeholders On Research, Innovation Imperatives

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently hosted a three-day Research and Development (R&D) Zonal Workshop at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma.

The workshop, which focused on needs-driven research and deepening of collaboration and linkages, was sponsored by the NCDMB.

The workshop aimed to provide a forum for discussions and demonstration of research breakthroughs on software and hardware as they relate to the oil and gas industry needs, bioremediation, and related oil field chemicals solutions.

The event was also intended to enhance the capacity of research directors and lecturers, particularly in writing and reading compelling research proposals.

With six Nigerian universities as host institutions, the workshop sought to promote collaboration and linkage between industry, academia, and government.

This collaboration is vital for the country’s quest for economic development.

The executive secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, highlighted the board’s commitment to fostering research and development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He emphasized the importance of addressing the gaps hampering the research climate in the sector, such as lack of research infrastructure, funding, and weak commercial frameworks.

The workshop also showcased the success of the Nigerian Content Research and Development Fund, launched by the board in 2021.

The fund aims to stimulate research in the oil and gas sector, with an initial seed capital of $50 million.

The event received positive feedback from the university’s management, who appreciated the NCDMB’s initiatives in human capital development.

The university also praised the Centre of Excellence status it enjoys and the partnership fostered by the board over the years.

In a charge to all stakeholders, Professor Jonah Akekere, the deputy vice Chancellor (Administration) of the NDU, declared, ‘Let the output of resource persons [at the Workshop] be sold to industry.’

The workshop was facilitated by the managing director of Wider Perspectives Ltd., who emphasized the importance of interactions between oil and gas industry players, academics, and policy-makers for national development.

The event sought to build the capacity of research directors and lecturers in writing and reading compelling research proposals.

The NCDMB’s workshop on Research, Innovation Imperatives has set a strong foundation for collaboration and linkage between industry, academia, and government in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The event has laid the groundwork for further research and development to drive the country’s economic growth.