The Bayelsa State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has asked the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to review procurement practices in the oil and gas industry to ensure continued opportunities for indigenous businesses and host communities.
In a petition dated August 3, 2026, the council urged the board to examine recent procurement arrangements and assess their implications for Nigerian Content participation, employment and investments by local companies.
The NYCN said its intervention was aimed at ensuring that procurement practices remained consistent with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
‘We therefore urge the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to exercise its statutory oversight powers by urgently investigating these concerns and taking appropriate corrective action where necessary,’ the petition said.
The council particularly sought a review of the increasing use of the Free Carrier (FCA) procurement arrangement, expressing concern about its possible impact on indigenous companies operating within the oil and gas supply chain.
According to the group, Nigerian businesses have invested significantly in pipe coating facilities, warehousing, logistics, fabrication and other services following opportunities created by the Nigerian Content framework.
‘Over the years, indigenous investors have committed substantial capital towards establishing pipe coating facilities, warehousing infrastructure, logistics operations, fabrication yards, and other value-adding services encouraged by the Local Content framework,’ it said.
The NYCN asked the NCDMB to assess whether changes in procurement arrangements could reduce opportunities for Nigerian suppliers, logistics operators, clearing and forwarding companies and other local service providers.
It also urged the board to examine the practice of handling some procurement functions outside the country and determine its implications for local employment and capacity development.
‘Nigeria possesses a large pool of experienced procurement professionals with the competence to perform these functions locally,’ the council said.
The group further called for continued regulatory oversight of procurement orders, contract awards and the participation of qualified host-community and Nigerian Content companies.
It said indigenous businesses that had invested in infrastructure and capacity should continue to have opportunities to participate meaningfully in the industry.
The council therefore urged the NCDMB to review relevant procurement models and ensure that industry practices support indigenous manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, employment and other value-adding activities.
It also called for greater engagement among regulators, operators, indigenous businesses and host communities in addressing concerns arising from procurement policies.
‘The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, remains committed to constructive engagement and peaceful dialogue,’ the petition said.
The council expressed confidence that the NCDMB would consider the issues raised and take steps it considered appropriate to protect Nigerian Content objectives and encourage sustainable participation by indigenous businesses.