The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge for the 2025/2026 cycle. This nationwide initiative is a clarion call to Nigerian innovators, startups, and researchers to present technology-driven solutions for critical challenges within the country's oil, gas, and broader energy value chain.
Incubation and Commercialisation at the Core
Launched in December 2025, the programme is strategically designed to deepen local content, reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported technologies, and fast-track the commercialisation of homegrown innovations. A major incentive for participants is the opportunity for successful applicants to gain admission into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
This centre provides a comprehensive ecosystem featuring technical support, expert mentorship, and a structured pathway to guide concepts from the drawing board to the marketplace. The Board emphasises that shortlisted candidates will receive hands-on guidance and access to industry leaders, all aimed at transforming research into viable, market-ready products and services.
Priority Areas for Innovation
Submitted proposals must align with specific thematic areas identified as priority needs for the industry. The NCDMB has outlined several key focus sectors:
In geological and geophysical studies, the board seeks innovations in exploration solutions, big data analytics, and real-time logging data processing.
For local materials substitution, proposals should address sustainable materials for environmental clean-up, cryogenic technology for LNG and refining, and advanced high-temperature cementing solutions.
The technology development category welcomes ideas in digitalisation, Internet of Things (IoT) applications for exploration and production, and condensate refining technologies.
Reflecting the global shift towards sustainability, entries in health, safety, and environment should cover carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), produced water management, depollution tech, and hydrogen production.
Engineering-focused proposals are needed for enhanced oil recovery, refinery efficiency, laboratory equipment, and drilling technology. Furthermore, renewable energy submissions in solar, wind, and energy storage solutions like batteries and hydrogen are strongly encouraged.
Selection Process and Lucrative Rewards
Applicants have a one-month window from the date of publication to submit their proposals, which must not exceed 1,500 words. The selection process will be rigorous: from all entries, 30 proposals will be shortlisted for the initial mentorship phase. This number will be whittled down to 10 in the second stage, culminating in five finalists who will make a final pitch.
The top five winners will be rewarded with cash prizes, structured mentorship, and significant media exposure. Additionally, all ten finalists will be onboarded into the Yenagoa-based Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre to receive further support aimed at achieving full commercialisation of their ideas.
This challenge underscores the NCDMB's strategic commitment to strengthening indigenous capacity and positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for energy technology development in Africa. It sends a powerful message that the future of Nigeria's energy sector will be built by Nigerians, for both domestic application and global impact.
