The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Seplat Energy Plc have stepped up plans to kick-start a high-impact Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University (DELSU), signaling a major boost for Nigeria’s oil and gas research landscape.
At a strategic meeting in Abraka, Delta State, top officials from the NCDMB, Seplat Energy, and DELSU mapped out final steps for the takeoff of the project, which was approved in 2024 as part of a long-term plan to strengthen research and innovation in the sector.
A Strategic Push for Industry Transformation
The proposed centre is part of a broader national initiative driven by a 10-year roadmap developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), aimed at deepening research and development (R&D) in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Representing the NCDMB leadership, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu disclosed that both the Board and Seplat Energy have finalized the project scope, covering infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, capacity development, and sustainability frameworks. A team of technical experts has already been assembled to drive execution.
Why DELSU?
Seplat Energy’s Nigerian Content Manager, Simeon Ogari, explained that DELSU was selected due to its proximity to the company’s operational base, including the ANOH Gas Processing Plant—a major joint venture with the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company.
He emphasized that the centre will serve as a hub for advanced research, innovation, and technology incubation, benefiting not just the university but the entire energy sector.
Triple Helix Model at Play
Stakeholders stressed the importance of collaboration through the “Triple Helix Model”—a framework that integrates government, academia, and industry. This synergy is expected to drive sustainable innovation and local capacity development.
Fixing Nigeria’s “Enclave Economy”
According to project consultant Leonard Okafor, findings from PwC revealed that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector operates largely in isolation, with weak linkages to other sectors. The new centre aims to bridge this gap by focusing on five key areas:
Collaboration ,Infrastructure . Capability Commercial & Legal Framework, Funding
Vice Chancellor Professor Samuel Asagba welcomed the initiative, pledging full institutional support. He highlighted DELSU’s strong academic base, especially in science and engineering, noting its recent ranking as Nigeria’s top state-owned university by Times Higher Education.
NCDMB’s Quality Assurance team will oversee the project from start to finish to ensure world-class standards, while both partners reaffirmed their commitment to timely delivery and long-term sustainability.
The DELSU Centre of Excellence could become a transformational hub for gas research and local content development, positioning Nigeria for stronger innovation, industry integration, and global competitiveness in the energy sector
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