How Local Content is Shaping the Nigerian Oil & Gas Sector

When the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act came into force in 2010, it was more than a policy shift. It was a bold statement: Nigerians must not just consume their oil wealth; they must build and benefit from it.

Fifteen years later, the impact of local content is clear. Indigenous companies are taking on bigger roles, Nigerian engineers and fabricators are driving projects, and communities are increasingly part of the oil and gas value chain.

The Rise of Indigenous Players

International oil majors once dominated Nigeria’s petroleum landscape. Today, the stage looks different. Local companies are acquiring assets, leading exploration projects, and shaping the next phase of the industry. This shift means more opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, and professionals — and a stronger national economy.

What Local Content Means in Practice

  • Jobs for Nigerians → Skilled and unskilled labour is now sourced locally.

  • Opportunities for local businesses → From fabrication yards to catering services, Nigerian SMEs are getting a bigger slice of the pie.

  • Technology transfer → Partnerships with global firms now require real knowledge-sharing with Nigerians.

Maton Exploration’s Local Content Commitment

Maton Exploration is proud to be part of this transformation. For us, local content is not just a legal requirement — it’s the foundation of how we do business. We:

  • Prioritise Nigerian suppliers and contractors, giving local SMEs a chance to grow alongside us.

  • Invest in training and mentorship, creating pathways for young Nigerians to enter and thrive in the oil and gas industry.

  • Build partnerships that transfer knowledge and skills, ensuring technology doesn’t just come to Nigeria but stays here.

Local Content as a Growth Engine

Local content is shaping the oil and gas sector into one that is more inclusive, more resilient, and more future-ready. By embedding local value creation into exploration and production, the Nigerian oil industry is building not just revenue, but capacity for decades to come.

And at Maton Exploration, we are committed to leading that charge — ensuring every project we undertake leaves a legacy of opportunity for Nigerians.