General
Nigeria, Ghana Sign MoU on Local Content Regulations
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) towards developing and deepening local content regulations in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 2024 Annual Local Content Conference and Exhibition held at Takoradi, Ghana between the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Petroleum Commission Ghana (PCG).
The deal is valid for three years and is centred on the desire to build synergies through information sharing and the transfer of skills of mutual interest and benefits.
Under the MoU, NCDMB will offer PCG strategic advice and guidance in the areas of laws, frameworks, knowledge exchange, procedures for baseline study, data collection on capacities that exist in Ghana, design of strategic plans for local content implementation in Ghana and other capacity development initiatives.
The MoU would also foster collaboration, provide opportunities for global experience, and facilitate the advancement of knowledge, leading to local content development in the upstream petroleum sector.
In addition, NCDMB will offer technical support in the development of the framework for the formulation of regulations and policies for PCG Local Content laws.
NCDMB was established in 2010 by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD, Act, and is mandated to monitor, guide, develop, and promote local content practice in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and linkage sectors.
On the other hand, the PCG was established by the Petroleum Commission Act, 2011 (Act 821) to regulate and manage the utilisation of petroleum resources and coordinate the policies in the upstream petroleum sector under the laws of the Republic of Ghana.
NCDMB had signed a similar agreement with the Technical Secretary of the National Content Monitoring Committee of Senegal (ST-CNSCL) in February 2022. The ST-CNSCL is the agency responsible for the coordination and supervision of the development and implementation of local content strategies in the Senegalese oil and gas sector.
Speaking earlier at the conference in Ghana, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged African oil and gas service companies to collaborate among themselves and leverage their unique capabilities.
“This approach would grow African local content sustainably and help meet the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he noted.
He expressed delight at the collaborative spirit displayed by African countries, noting that “this event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth within our sector.”
Commenting on the theme of the conference, Attracting E&P Investments to Boost Local Content: New Pathways, the Executive Secretary underscored the necessity for innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to unlock Africa’s hydrocarbon resources, estimated at over 125 billion barrels, accounting for about 10 per cent of global reserves.
He reiterated the role of NCDMB as a business enabler, supporting the development of an efficient indigenous supply chain and delivering quality service competitively in the oil and gas industry.
Reflecting on NCDMB’s achievements, Engr. Ogbe noted significant progress in local content development, with an increase from less than 5 per cent in 2010 to 54 per cent in 2023, attributing the growth to the robust NOGICD Act, strategic implementation by the Board and collaboration by industry stakeholders.
He further highlighted the importance of economies of scale in attracting new investments and optimizing capacity utilisation in the exploration and production value chain.
He also celebrated the establishment of the African Energy Bank by the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The bank is expected to fund major oil and gas projects across the continent, mitigating the reluctance of Western financial institutions to support new investments in the sector.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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