The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), led by its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has advanced discussions with the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) on the planned launch of the APPO Bank and broader areas of strategic cooperation.
Engr. Ogbe, alongside the Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, received the APPO delegation led by its Secretary General, H.E. Farid Ghezali, at the Board’s liaison office in Abuja on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
During the engagement, the NCDMB Executive Secretary underscored the centrality of transparency, objectivity and strong governance frameworks to the successful establishment of the APPO Bank. He reaffirmed NCDMB’s support for the initiative, stressing that the Board seeks to contribute constructively without exercising undue control or influence over the process.
According to Engr. Ogbe, credibility, fairness and clearly defined procedures are essential to building confidence among APPO member countries and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the proposed financial institution.
Discussions also focused on opportunities to deepen local content development, capacity building and regional collaboration within Africa’s petroleum sector. Key areas explored included leveraging Nigeria’s oil and gas training academy, developing an interactive digital platform for African-certified companies, and promoting equitable distribution of project benefits across member states.
Both NCDMB and APPO reaffirmed their commitment to disciplined execution, institutional credibility and stronger integration of African energy markets, in alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The meeting highlighted a shared resolve to use the APPO Bank as a catalyst for industrial growth, investment mobilization and sustainable development across Africa’s petroleum-producing nations.
