The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has introduced new guidelines geared at speeding up contracting processes in the oil and gas industry, eliminating unqualified intermediaries, and reducing Nigeria’s cost of production.
The document, titled NCEC Application Guidance Notes, takes effect from December 2025 and is available on the Board’s website and the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC) application portal.
It supports the implementation of Presidential Directives on Local Content Requirements, which mandate stricter enforcement of capacity-based participation in the sector.
The board states that possession of a valid NCEC remains a key requirement for companies seeking oil and gas contracts in Nigeria. It notes that misuse of NCECs during bid evaluations often leads to delays and allows firms without technical capacity into the contracting process.
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According to the Board, the new guidance addresses issues such as fake documentation, false claims of personnel and equipment, multiple applications without matching capacity, and non-existent facilities. It aims to ensure faster approval for genuine service companies by clearly outlining application requirements.
The eight NCEC categories cover manufacturing, fabrication, construction, services, quality inspection, assets, procurement, and consultancy. Applicants are required to apply strictly within their core service areas and provide verifiable evidence of capacity. NCDMB warns that abuse of the application process will attract sanctions.
The Board also emphasises that NCEC applications are free and prohibits the use of agents or third parties. Certificates are non-transferable, and companies cannot use shared facilities to apply separately.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe urges stakeholders to study the guidelines carefully. He warns that forged or falsified documents constitute a criminal offence.
Ogbe adds that NCDMB has set clear timelines for processing applications to promote transparency and support increased local participation and oil production in Nigeria.
