Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has issued new Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC) Application Guidance Notes, aimed at fast-tracking oil and gas contracting processes, eliminating unqualified intermediaries and reducing Nigeria’s cost of crude oil production.
The guidance notes, which take effect from December 2025, are part of efforts to operationalise the Presidential Directives on Local Content Requirements, mandating stricter enforcement of capacity-based participation in the oil and gas contracting process.
According to the Board, the document now available on its website and the NCEC application portal seeks to address persistent challenges including the misuse of NCECs during tendering, multiple applications unsupported by actual capacity, submission of forged documents, and the participation of firms lacking technical competence.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNCDMB noted that unmerited possession or misapplication of NCECs during bid evaluations has contributed significantly to contracting delays and the admission of unqualified intermediaries into the sector.
The Board explained that the guidance notes are designed to ensure that only service companies with demonstrable capacity are certified, while enabling quicker review and approval of applications submitted by genuine operators.
The eight NCEC categories covered under the framework 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) and Consultancy Services (CS).
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Service companies were advised to apply strictly within their core service areas and provide detailed, verifiable evidence of their capacities when submitting applications through the NCEC portal. The Board warned that spurious or misaligned applications contribute to processing delays and may attract sanctions.
NCDMB also reiterated that it does not charge any fees for NCEC application, processing or approval, and prohibited the use of agents, middlemen or third parties in submitting applications on behalf of service companies. Companies registered on the NOGIC Joint Qualification System (JQS) were reminded that they bear full responsibility for all documents and claims submitted using their login credentials.
The guidance notes further clarified that NCECs are not transferable, and that companies, subsidiaries or local partners cannot apply as separate entities using the same facilities, equipment or documentation. Applications for multiple NCEC categories must be backed by corresponding assets, equipment, facilities and personnel, all of which will be subject to physical verification through facility visits by NCDMB.
The Board stressed that NCECs are not granted in anticipation of future investments, but are approved strictly on the basis of existing, functional and operational assets. Requests for upgrades or additions to existing, unexpired certificates will be treated as fresh applications and subjected to full verification.
Services exempted from NCEC requirements include GSM service providers, commercial airlines, educational institutions, legal advisory services, public relations and events management firms, government agencies, and community-based vendors executing corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
Commenting on the new framework, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged oil and gas stakeholders to carefully study the guidance notes before applying. He warned that submission of forged or falsified documents constitutes a criminal offence and would attract legal consequences alongside administrative sanctions.
Ogbe also disclosed that the Board has established target timelines for the processing of NCEC applications, with the portal providing time-stamped records of all submissions, reviews and interactions to enhance transparency and accountability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
