NCDMB and Seplat Energy Partner to Establish Gas Development Research Centre at Delta State University

NCDMB and Seplat Energy partner with Delta State University to establish a Centre of Excellence in Gas Development to boost local R&D and energy innovation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 4:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation

Strategic Collaboration for National Gas Research

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Seplat Energy Plc have accelerated plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka. This strategic initiative, formally approved in 2024, is designed to enhance Nigeria’s local content capabilities and domestic gas research. During a high level engagement at the university, officials from both organizations met with academic leadership to finalize the operational framework, which includes infrastructure development, research policies, and long term sustainability models.

Implementation of the Triple Helix Model

The project is guided by the "Triple Helix Model," an innovation framework that integrates the efforts of government, academia, and industry. Simeon Ogari, Seplat Energy’s Nigerian Content Manager, noted that DELSU was selected due to its proximity to critical energy infrastructure, specifically the 300MMscfd ANOH Gas Processing Plant operated in partnership with the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company. By placing the research hub near active operational sites, the partners intend to foster a environment for technology incubation and industry-driven innovation that benefits the broader national economy.

Addressing Structural Gaps in Energy R&D

According to Leonard Okafor, CEO of GOSHEN, the initiative is a response to structural deficiencies identified in a study led by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The research highlighted weak intersectoral linkages within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem. To address these gaps, the 10 year R&D roadmap focuses on five priority areas: capability development, infrastructure, collaboration, funding, and legal frameworks. The DELSU center is one of several specialized hubs being established nationwide to ensure that local participation in the energy sector is supported by robust scientific data and home-grown technology.