The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has unveiled a new digital platform aimed at improving compliance, transparency and efficiency across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
According to The Punch, NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe announced the initiative on Wednesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said wider adoption of the platform would be crucial to strengthening competitiveness in the sector.
Ogbe, who was represented by NCDMB Manager Emmanuel Yusuf, said the portal would replace a largely manual compliance process. That process often delayed approvals for several weeks.
NCDMB targets faster compliance process
The new Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate Portal is expected to allow companies to submit applications online and track their status. In addition, they can receive certificates without physical visits or paperwork.
“The portal will cut certificate processing time from weeks to days, allow online applications without physical visits or paperwork, provide instant status updates, eliminating uncertainty,” Ogbe said.
He added that regulators would also be able to verify compliance in real time. Meanwhile, the system creates a single digital record that investors and lenders can rely on.
Ogbe said faster access to compliance certificates would also improve companies’ ability to secure financing for projects.
“Companies that meet obligations can now obtain certificates quickly, unlock financing opportunities without delay, and channel resources into projects that create jobs, build capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain,” he said.
Portal expected to improve investor confidence
According to Ogbe, operators and contractors would benefit from quicker access to funding. On the other hand, regulators would gain stronger oversight and improved data collection.
“For investors, it is a source of increased confidence. And for Nigeria, a more efficient system that ensures the Fund continues to drive measurable impact,” he said.
He described the portal as part of Nigeria’s effort to modernise its oil and gas regulatory processes.
“As we unveil this platform today, we send a clear message: That Nigeria is ready. That our systems are evolving. And that our oil and gas industry is becoming more efficient, transparent, and competitive on the global stage,” Ogbe said.
He urged companies and other stakeholders to embrace the system. He stressed that its success would depend on widespread use rather than technology alone.
NCDMB explains compliance requirement
Ogbe also said the Nigerian Content compliance certificate remains an important requirement for operators in the industry.
Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, one per cent of the value of every contract awarded in the sector is deducted at source and paid into the Nigerian Content Development Fund.
The compliance certificate serves as evidence that a company has met the required obligations. It is also needed to access financing from the fund.
Representatives of the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank also pledged support for businesses seeking to benefit from the initiative.
Bank of Industry representative Olamide Oladele said the institution was prepared to provide financing for indigenous oil and gas businesses. This follows the launch of the portal.
“With the launch of the new portal, the bank is ready to provide finance to support businesses in the oil and gas industry,” she said.
