By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its strong support for the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe made the pledge during a courtesy visit by APPO’s new Secretary General, H.E. Farid Ghezali.

The meeting followed Nigeria’s handover of the AEB office, paving the way for the bank’s launch by APPO and Afreximbank – owners of the institution.

The Executive Secretary conveyed the board’s strong support to APPO and the Africa Energy Bank’s success, noting that the future of the African oil and gas industry depended largely on the performance of both institutions.

Ogbe assured NCDMB’s operational support for the launch, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri’s vision.

The APPO Secretary General, Ghezali, who assumed office in January 2026 sought the continued support of NCDMB to actualise APPO’s operations, recalling the long standing relationship between the institutions.

While outlining plans for improved transparency in the association’s operations, he advocated for timely financial contributions from member countries, recruitment of new members, and an expected increase in subscriptions.

He announced that Mauritania is expected to join APPO soon, further strengthening the organization’s continental reach.

Accompanied by Mr. Bakary Traore and Mr. Tchananti Sahguir, senior officials of APPO, Ghezali, emphasized the critical need for a transparent selection process of the Governing Board of the Africa Energy Bank, as well as structure and governance process, ensuring all APPO member countries remain equally informed of developments in the bank.

He underscored the importance of rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and credibility requirements to build a credible and inclusive institution.

Discussions at the meeting also explored innovative capacity-building measures.
Ghezali proposed developing an interactive platform to showcase African-certified companies in key specialties, while recommending the leveraging of NCDMB’s renowned Nigerian Content Academy for training and skill development across member states.

Both sides agreed on the need for equitable distribution of project benefits, harmonization of codes and regulations, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, honest collaboration, and the promotion of regional markets, particularly in West Africa, under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Key decisions included launching an interactive local content platform in 2026 and prioritizing financial discipline.

The meeting underscored NCDMB’s role in advancing Africa’s energy agenda through partnerships like the AEB.