Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and Seplat Energy Plc have intensified efforts to kick-start a Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University, marking a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s gas research and local content capabilities.

At a strategic meeting in Abraka, Delta State, senior officials from both organisations engaged the university’s leadership on key requirements for the take-off of the project, which was approved by the Board in 2024.

The initiative forms part of a broader national framework to deepen research and development (R&D) in the oil and gas sector. It is one of several centres being established across the country, following a 10-year R&D roadmap developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the industry.

Speaking at the engagement, NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, representing Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said both organisations had held extensive consultations since 2024 to define the project’s scope, covering infrastructure, equipment, research policy, capacity development, and long-term sustainability.

He confirmed that both NCDMB and Seplat have now endorsed the framework for implementation, with a dedicated team of technical experts already constituted to drive execution. The Board has also strengthened its internal project team to ensure delivery aligns with expectations.

Halilu reaffirmed the commitment of the NCDMB leadership, noting that resources across quality assurance, R&D, and operational units have been mobilised to support both the development and execution phases.

On its part, Seplat Energy underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. The company’s Nigerian Content Manager, Simeon Ogari, said the choice of DELSU was influenced by its proximity to Seplat’s operational hub, including the 300MMscfd ANOH Gas Processing Plant, operated in partnership with the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company.

He added that the centre is expected to serve as a hub for advanced research, technology incubation, and industry-driven innovation, with benefits extending beyond academia to the broader energy sector and national economy.

Ogari emphasised the need for strong collaboration, referencing the “Triple Helix Model,” which integrates government, academia, and industry as critical drivers of innovation and sustainable development.

Providing further insight, the Chief Executive Officer of GOSHEN, Leonard Okafor, said the PwC-led study identified structural gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem, particularly weak intersectoral linkages. The establishment of research centres, he noted, is designed to address these deficiencies and strengthen local participation.

According to him, the roadmap highlights five priority areas for R&D: collaboration, infrastructure, capability development, commercial/legal frameworks, and funding. He stressed that attracting high-quality research talent and fostering institutional partnerships would be critical to the project’s success.

In response, DELSU Vice Chancellor, Samuel Oghenovo Asagba, welcomed the initiative and assured stakeholders of the university’s readiness to meet all requirements for a successful launch. He noted that the institution boasts strong academic capacity, particularly in science and engineering disciplines, positioning it well for impactful collaboration.

Also speaking, NCDMB’s General Manager, Quality Assurance, Chris Osuji, said his team would ensure strict adherence to quality standards from project inception through completion.

Closing the engagement, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Silas Ajimijaye, commended Seplat for its funding support and urged the university to leverage the project to build a lasting legacy. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Douglason Omotor, also pledged the institution’s full cooperation, highlighting the availability of skilled academics and administrators to drive the initiative.

With alignment secured among key stakeholders, the Centre of Excellence is poised to become a critical platform for advancing gas development, innovation, and local content in Nigeria’s energy sector.