The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and DMG Events have strengthened their collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government ahead of the 2026 Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, scheduled for November 30 to December 3 in Yenagoa.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday when officials of NCDMB and DMG Events met with the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division of NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, the meeting was held to appreciate the state government for its support for the PNC Forum over the past 15 years and to seek its continued assistance for the 15th edition.
The 2026 forum will take place at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa and is expected to bring together major stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, government agencies, businesses, local contractors, communities and young professionals.
Ezeobi, who led the NCDMB delegation, highlighted the economic impact of the PNC Forum and other NCDMB programmes and activities in Bayelsa State.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to the Bayelsa State Government for its significant contribution to the annual event, particularly its support for the opening banquet and the Youth PNC programme.
The Youth PNC is designed to expose young people, particularly those from the Niger Delta, to emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry while equipping them with knowledge and skills relevant to other sectors of the economy.
Ezeobi also disclosed that new initiatives had been introduced for the 2026 edition to broaden the scope of the forum and provide greater value to participants.
Speaking on the Youth PNC, the Senior Manager, Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, outlined plans to further engage young participants and connect them with opportunities within the industry.
The leader of the DMG Events delegation, Ms. Olamide Oloko, also presented the major activities planned for the forum.
Among the new activities is a Local Content Roundtable scheduled for November 30, which will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting Nigerian Content development.
A two-day programme has also been designed specifically for Local Community Contractors (LCCs) to support them in improving their capacity and scaling up their operations.
Other features of the 2026 PNC include a breakout session that will bring together stakeholders to share perspectives and ideas that could shape the future direction of Nigerian Content over the next decade.
The programme will also feature a Townhall Session involving key industry leaders, including the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and the Chairman of PETAN.
Responding, Deputy Governor Akpe assured the delegation of Bayelsa State’s continued support for the PNC Forum.
He pledged adequate security for participants 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 incorporating some participants from the 2025 Youth PNC into its capacity-building programmes, describing the initiative as an important way of preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in the industry.
He also called for increased participation by senior officials of oil and gas companies at the welcome gala dinner to strengthen interaction between industry leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders.
The Practical Nigerian Content Forum is hosted annually by NCDMB and DMG Events as a platform for stakeholders to review the implementation of Nigerian Content, examine industry challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies for greater local participation and value retention in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The 2026 edition is expected to further strengthen collaboration among industry stakeholders while creating more opportunities for Nigerian businesses, young professionals and local contractors..
