By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and DMG Events have renewed their collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government ahead of the 2026 edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, as stakeholders intensify preparations for the major industry gathering.
The 15th edition of the forum scheduled to hold in November at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, builds on the event’s 15-year partnership with the state government.
The renewed commitment was affirmed on during a strategic meeting between officials of the NCDMB and DMG Events and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The engagement was aimed at appreciating the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support for the PNC Forum over the years and securing its continued partnership for the 2026 edition.
Leading the NCDMB delegation, the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, highlighted the economic significance of the PNC Forum and the board’s various initiatives and programmes in Bayelsa State.
Ezeobi conveyed the appreciation of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to the state government for its contributions to the success of the forum, particularly its support for the opening banquet and the Youth PNC programme.
He said the Youth PNC initiative had continued to provide young people from the Niger Delta with exposure to emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry, while equipping them with relevant competencies for successful careers in other sectors of the economy.
Ezeobi also outlined some of the new initiatives introduced for the 2026 edition, saying they were designed to inject fresh perspectives into the forum and deliver greater value to participants.
The Senior Manager, Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, provided further details on preparations for the Youth PNC segment and the board’s plans to deepen youth participation in the industry.
Representing DMG Events, Ms. Olamide Oloko presented the programme for the 2026 forum, highlighting several new components aimed at broadening stakeholder participation and strengthening discussions around the future of Nigerian Content.
Among the new initiatives is the Local Content Roundtable scheduled for November 30, which is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting local content development.
The organisers will also host a two-day programme for Local Community Contractors (LCCs), designed to support them in strengthening their businesses and scaling their operations.
Another major feature of the 2026 forum will be a breakout session focused on gathering stakeholders’ views on the future direction of Nigerian Content and identifying priorities that could shape the sector over the next decade.
The programme will also feature a Townhall Session involving leading figures in the oil and gas industry, including the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and the Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
Responding, Deputy Governor Akpe assured the NCDMB and DMG Events delegation of the Bayelsa State Government’s continued support for the forum.
He pledged the state’s cooperation in ensuring the smooth hosting of the event, including adequate security arrangements for participants and visitors expected in Yenagoa during the forum.
Akpe also reaffirmed Bayelsa’s commitment to maintaining its tradition of hosting the gala dinner and participating actively in the main conference and Youth PNC programme.
The Deputy Governor commended the NCDMB for incorporating some participants from the 2025 Youth PNC into its capacity-building programmes, describing the initiative as an important step towards developing the next generation of professionals for the oil and gas industry.
He, however, called for greater participation by senior executives and key industry leaders at the welcome gala dinner, stressing the importance of exposing young people and other participants to experienced professionals in the sector.
The Practical Nigerian Content Forum, organised annually by the NCDMB in partnership with DMG Events, has become an important platform for assessing the implementation of Nigerian Content policies and initiatives in the oil and gas industry.
The forum also provides an avenue for government agencies, operators, service companies, investors, indigenous businesses, community stakeholders and other industry participants to examine challenges confronting local participation and identify opportunities for greater investment and value retention.
With the 2026 edition expected to attract key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, organisers said the forum would place greater emphasis on strengthening local participation, expanding opportunities for indigenous businesses and fostering collaboration capable of driving sustainable growth in the sector.
