L-R: Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe exchanging pleasantries with the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi after a tripartite meeting on the annual Practical Nigerian Content conferences jointly organized by the Board, DMG events and the Bayelsa state government
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
NCDMB and Bayelsa State strengthen partnership as PNC 2026 introduces new programmes for youth, local contractors and industry stakeholders.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and DMG Events have reaffirmed their partnership with the Bayelsa State Government ahead of the 2026 Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, with organisers unveiling new initiatives designed to expand opportunities for businesses, young professionals and local contractors in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The 15th edition of the flagship industry gathering is scheduled to hold from November 30 to December 3, 2026, at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The renewed commitment was highlighted during a strategic meeting between officials of NCDMB and DMG Events and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The meeting was convened to appreciate the state government’s longstanding support for the PNC Forum and seek its continued assistance for the 2026 edition.
Leading the NCDMB delegation, the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, highlighted the economic significance of the PNC Forum and other NCDMB programmes in Bayelsa State.
Ezeobi conveyed the appreciation of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to the Bayelsa State Government for its sustained support, particularly in hosting the opening banquet and supporting the Youth PNC programme.
The Youth PNC initiative exposes young people in the Niger Delta to emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry while equipping them with knowledge and competencies needed to pursue careers across other critical sectors of the economy.
Ezeobi also disclosed that the 2026 edition would feature new initiatives aimed at making the forum more impactful and valuable to participants.
The Senior Manager, Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Mr. Adebayo Joseph, provided further details on plans for the Youth PNC programme.
On behalf of DMG Events, Ms. Olamide Oloko outlined the main programme and announced new activities, including the Local Content Roundtable scheduled for November 30.
Another major feature is a two-day programme for Local Community Contractors (LCCs), designed to help contractors strengthen their businesses, scale their operations and take advantage of opportunities within the Nigerian oil and gas value chain.
The 2026 forum will also feature a dedicated breakout session where industry stakeholders will exchange ideas and perspectives capable of shaping the future direction of Nigerian Content over the next decade.
A high-level Townhall Session is also planned, bringing together 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 pledged the continued support of the Bayelsa State Government for the PNC Forum.
He assured the visiting delegation of adequate security and reaffirmed the state’s tradition of hosting the gala dinner while actively participating in the main conference and Youth PNC.
Akpe also commended NCDMB for integrating some participants from the 2025 Youth PNC into its capacity-building programmes.
He, however, called for greater participation of senior oil and gas industry executives in the welcome gala dinner, stressing the importance of stronger engagement between young people, businesses, government and industry leaders.
The Practical Nigerian Content Forum, organised annually by NCDMB and DMG Events, has become an important platform for reviewing the implementation of Nigerian Content policies, promoting local participation and identifying new investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
With the 2026 edition expected to attract major industry stakeholders, the forum is positioned to deepen collaboration, expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses and improve value retention across the country’s oil and gas value chain.
Tags: PNC 2026, NCDMB, Bayelsa, Practical Nigerian Content, Nigerian Content, Oil and Gas, DMG Events, Youth PNC, Local Content, LCCs, NNPC, NUPRC, PETAN, OPTS
