By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and DMG Events have strengthened their partnership with the Bayelsa State Government ahead of the 2026 edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum scheduled for November 30 to December 3, 2026.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday during a strategic engagement between officials of NCDMB and DMG Events and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The meeting was held to appreciate the state government for its support for the PNC Forum over the past 15 years and seek its continued assistance ahead of the 15th edition, which will take place at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa.
Leading the delegation, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, highlighted the economic impact of the PNC Forum and other NCDMB programmes and activities in Bayelsa State.
Ezeobi conveyed the appreciation of NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to the state government for its contributions to the annual forum, particularly its support for the opening banquet and Youth PNC segment.
He said the Youth PNC initiative provides young people from the Niger Delta with exposure to emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry, as well as competencies required to build careers across other sectors of the economy.
Ezeobi also highlighted new initiatives introduced for the 2026 edition, designed to enhance participants’ experience and increase the value derived from the forum.
Senior Manager, Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, provided further details on plans for the Youth PNC programme.
Speaking on the main programme, Leader of the DMG Events team, Ms. Olamide Oloko, outlined several new initiatives, including the Local Content Roundtable scheduled for November 30 and a two-day programme dedicated to Local Community Contractors (LCCs) to support efforts to scale their businesses.
Other innovations planned for the 2026 forum include a breakout session aimed at gathering stakeholders’ perspectives on the future direction of Nigerian Content over the next decade.
The forum will also feature a Townhall Session involving key industry leaders, including the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
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Responding, Deputy Governor Akpe pledged the Bayelsa State Government’s continued collaboration with NCDMB and DMG Events to ensure the successful hosting of the forum.
He assured the delegation of adequate security throughout the event and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to hosting the gala dinner, participating actively in the main conference and supporting the Youth PNC.
Akpe commended NCDMB for integrating some participants from the 2025 Youth PNC into its capacity-building programmes, while calling for increased participation of senior oil and gas industry executives at the welcome gala dinner.
The Practical Nigerian Content Forum, hosted annually by NCDMB and DMG Events, provides a platform for stakeholders to assess the implementation of local content policies and develop strategies for increased investment and growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The 2026 edition is expected to deepen collaboration among industry stakeholders, strengthen local participation and increase value retention across the Nigerian oil and gas value chain.
