New Guidelines Issued to Streamline Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Contracting Process

In a move to clean up the oil and gas industry’s contracting system, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has released new rules aimed at removing unqualified middlemen and companies.

The board announced the “Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate Application Guidance Notes,” set to take effect in December 2025. According to a statement from the NCDMB’s Corporate Communications Division, the goal is to speed up contract processes, prevent misuse of vital certificates, and lower the country’s cost of oil production.

A key requirement for companies bidding for oil and gas contracts in Nigeria is the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC), issued by the NCDMB. The board stated that the misuse of these certificates has led to delays and allowed unfit intermediaries into the contracting chain.

The newly published guidelines are designed to tackle common abuses, such as companies applying for certificates without having the actual capacity, submitting fake documents, or using non-existent offices and equipment. The NCDMB believes these measures will also help genuine companies get faster approval by clarifying all requirements upfront.

The certificates are issued across eight service categories, from manufacturing and fabrication to consultancy. The board advised companies to apply only in their core areas and provide solid evidence of their capabilities.

Importantly, the NCDMB stressed that it does not charge any fees for the NCEC application or processing and warned companies against using third-party agents, a practice now prohibited. It also clarified that certificates cannot be shared or transferred between companies, even subsidiaries.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, urged stakeholders to study the new guidelines carefully. He warned that submitting forged documents is a criminal offence and will lead to legal action as well as sanctions from the board.

The NCDMB has also set specific timelines for processing applications to ensure greater efficiency and transparency.