Celebrating Growth and Impact: Tamrose and NCDMB Champion Indigenous Capacity in Oil and Gas
By Victor Oroyi – It was an event of pride and reflection at the Celebration of Growth and Impact event held at the NCDMB Conference Hall, Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event, organized in collaboration with Tamrose Limited, highlighted a remarkable story of transformation, resilience, and partnership between the private sector and a key government institution — the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Between 2019 and 2025, Tamrose Limited achieved what many considered a daunting feat: expanding its fleet from just four vessels to fifteen modern offshore support vessels. This exponential growth stands as a testament to the company’s strategic investments, operational discipline, and the enabling environment created by NCDMB through the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund). The event was therefore more than a celebration; it was a narrative of what is possible when vision meets opportunity.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Tamrose Limited, Mr. Ambrose Ovbiebo, described the celebration as “a moment of reflection.” He noted that the company’s distinction lies not only in its fleet expansion but also in its culture of safety, operational excellence, and customer-centric service — principles deeply rooted in Tamrose’s core values. Mr. Ovbiebo also made a significant revelation that drew loud applause from the audience: Tamrose had fully repaid the transformational loan it received from the NCI Fund, completing repayment on schedule without missing a single installment.
He attributed this success to the steadfast support of the NCDMB, describing the Board as a true partner in progress. “The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has been instrumental in shaping our journey,” he said. “Their confidence in our capacity and their commitment to local content development have been the backbone of our success story.”
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe (FNSE, FIPS), the General Manager of Human Capacity Development, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, captured the spirit of the event in his opening line: “Dreams are free.” He lauded Tamrose’s journey as a powerful demonstration of what Nigerian talent and innovation can achieve when supported with the right resources. He noted that Tamrose’s story epitomizes the vision behind the NCI Fund — a vision to empower Nigerian businesses to compete globally while contributing to national growth.
Mr. Kikile also disclosed that Tamrose had joined over twenty indigenous firms that have successfully repaid their NCI Fund facilities, further proving that local companies can thrive under disciplined and transparent financial management. Looking ahead, he announced that NCDMB would soon launch the Nigerian Content Equity Fund (NCEF) — a new financing mechanism designed to provide long-term capital for Nigerian companies operating in high-impact sectors of the economy.
In his ministerial address, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Chairman of the NCDMB Governing Council, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed deep satisfaction at Tamrose’s progress. He described the company as “a shining example of indigenous excellence” and commended it for honoring its financial commitments under the NCI Fund. The Minister emphasized that Tamrose’s growth from four to fifteen vessels was not only impressive but also a reflection of Nigeria’s growing capacity in marine logistics and offshore support services.
“This is the right way to go,” Senator Lokpobiri stated, urging other indigenous firms to emulate Tamrose by leveraging available funding mechanisms to expand their operations, build capacity, and create employment. He tied the achievement to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that initiatives like this embody the administration’s vision for a more productive, self-reliant, and inclusive economy.
In closing, Miss Lekoma Phimie, General Manager, PCAD, NCDMB, extended heartfelt appreciation to guests and partners who graced the occasion. She commended Tamrose for its remarkable achievements and reaffirmed NCDMB’s continued commitment to promoting collaborations that foster sustainable development across the oil and gas value chain.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of collective pride and optimism. The journey of Tamrose Limited — from a small fleet of four vessels to a formidable player in offshore logistics — now stands as an inspiring symbol of what can be achieved through partnership, perseverance, and faith in Nigerian capacity. For the NCDMB, it was yet another proof that strategic support for local players can yield transformative results. For Tamrose, it was the celebration of a dream realized — and the promise of greater impact yet to come.
