NCDMB’s Guidance Notes To Speed Up Contracting Process In Oil And Gas Industry
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Determined to speed up oil and gas industry contracting processes, weed out firms lacking technical capacity, and reduce Nigeria’s cost of production, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has issued the “NCEC Application Guidance Notes”, with effect from December 2025.
The document, which is available on the Board’s website and on the NCEC application portal, forms part of concerted efforts to operationalise the Presidential Directives (PDs) on Local Content Requirements. The directives mandate the NCDMB to take further steps to eliminate intermediaries in the contracting process that lack demonstrable capacity.
Emphasising that one of the key requirements for participating in Nigeria’s oil and gas contracting process is the possession of Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates (NCECs) issued by the Board, the document states that:
“Unmerited possession and/or misapplication of the NCECs during tendering/bid evaluations contribute to contracting delays and admittance of unqualified intermediaries into the contracting process.”
Targeting Fake Applications and Dubious Claims
According to the NCDMB, the new guidance notes are designed to tackle widespread irregularities, including single and multiple NCEC applications that are not matched to actual capacity on ground.
It also targets submission of fake or forged documents, under-declaration of personnel, claims of non-existent offices or equipment, and other dubious applications.
The Board said the guidance notes will enhance timely review and approval of applications from genuine service companies, as the document provides detailed requirements needed to complete credible applications at first attempt.
Eight NCEC Categories Listed
The NCDMB noted that the eight NCEC categories include:
- Manufacturing & Related Services (MS)
- Fabrication & Construction (FC)
- Construction & Moveable Equipment (EC)
- Services & Support (SS)
- Quality Control Inspection and Testing (QS)
- Non-Moveable Assets (DA)
- Procurement & Supplies (PS)
- Consultancy Services (CS)
The document advised service companies to provide clear details of their specific service offerings, supported with sufficient evidence, while applying through the application portal.
No Payment Required, Agents Prohibited
The Board stressed that it does not solicit or require any payment for the application, processing, or approval of NCEC or any of its certifications.
It also warned that in line with the Presidential directive on local content compliance, the NCDMB prohibits the use of agents, middlemen, or third parties in raising or submitting NCEC applications on behalf of service companies.
It stated that service companies registered on the NOGIC-JQS remain fully liable for any claims or documentation submitted through their assigned login details.
Subsidiaries Cannot Apply Using Same Facilities
The guidance notes further stated that companies, their subsidiaries, or local partners cannot apply for or obtain NCEC as separate companies using the same facilities, equipment, assets, or documentation.
It also clarified that NCEC is not transferable for use by another company.
Warnings Against Spurious Applications
The Board enjoined companies to only apply for NCECs based on their core service area, noting that spurious applications contribute to delays in processing genuine applications.
It warned that cases determined to constitute abuse of NCEC applications would attract applicable sanctions.
Facility Visits Required for Multiple Applications
For companies applying for multiple NCEC categories, the Board said such applicants must have the required capacity in terms of assets, facilities, equipment, and personnel.
The NCDMB added that it will conduct facility visits to verify capacities and capabilities claimed by companies submitting multiple applications.
It also noted that NCECs are not granted in anticipation of future establishment of capacity, but only based on functional equipment and assets with dedicated utilities and resources in place.
Applicants, therefore, must be ready to demonstrate operability and availability of owned assets during facility inspections.
Upgrade Requests Will Be Treated as Fresh Applications
The guidance notes explained that any request for upgrade or addition of services on an approved but unexpired NCEC, based on additional investment, will be treated as a new application.
Such requests will also be subjected to verification of all equipment, assets and documentation submitted.
Some Services Do Not Require NCECs
The NCDMB also listed services that do not require NCEC certification. These include:
- GSM service providers
- Commercial airlines
- Educational institutes
- Legal advisory services
- Public relations and events management
- Government agencies
- CSR projects with community vendors
NCDMB Warns Against Forged Documents
Commenting on the guidance notes, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged oil and gas stakeholders to study the document carefully while applying for NCECs.
He warned that submission of forged, altered, or falsified documents constitutes a criminal offence and would attract legal consequences as well as administrative punishments by the Board.
Ogbe also disclosed that the Board has set target timelines for the review and processing of NCEC applications, with the application portal providing timestamps of all activities and interactions from submission to review.
