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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched various online platforms aimed at enhancing ease of doing business and improving contract administration in the oil and gas industry.
The digital platforms include the online Compliance Certificate System, an upgraded NCDF Payment Portal and a revised Community Contractor Service.
Addressing stakeholders in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during the launch of the new portals on the theme, “Compliance Certificate System, Upgraded NCDF Payment Portal and Revised Community Contractor Service”, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbe, said the digital platforms align with the national vision of making business easier and promoting efficiency, transparency and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Ogbe, who was represented by the Manager of the NCDF Fund, Mr Emmanuel Yusuf, explained that the online portals are reinforced by recent Executive Orders of the Federal Government.
“This launch is not just about technology. It is about aligning with the national vision for ease of doing business, digital transformation, and accountability, as reinforced by recent Executive Orders of the Federal Government.
“The Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate is a vital requirement in our industry.”
Ogbe disclosed that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act specifies that one per cent of every contract awarded to any operator must be deducted at source and remitted to the fund. He added that the certificate would unlock access to the fund and ensure that remittances are made as required by law.
“This certificate is proof of compliance, the key that unlocks access to the Fund, and assurance that obligations are being met in line with national development goals. Over the years, the Fund has been transformative.”
Ogbe further disclosed that more than $400 million has supported over 130 indigenous companies in addressing the critical challenge of access to finance faced by contractors in the oil and gas industry.
“Strategic initiatives like Project 100 have strengthened local capacity, while innovative financing tools, including a 100-million-dollar equity investment scheme, ensure sustainability.
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“But as progress expands, our systems must evolve. In the past, compliance confirmation was handled manually. Companies submitted physical documents, waited for verification, and endured delays that often stretched into weeks.
“This slowed project approvals, created uncertainty, and limited transparency for regulators and investors.”
He listed the benefits of the new digital portals as including a reduction in certificate processing time from weeks to days, the ability to submit online applications without physical visits or paperwork, instant status updates and the elimination of uncertainty among vendors.
According to him, the portals will also enable regulators to verify compliance in real time and create a single record system that guarantees trust among lenders and investors.
“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.
“For operators and contractors, it means faster access to funding. For regulators, stronger oversight and improved data collation.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) pledged support for vendors and NCDMB operations to ensure the success of the initiative.
The representative of the Bank of Industry, Mrs Olamide Oladele, explained the various financial opportunities available to indigenous entrepreneurs operating in the oil and gas industry.
“With the launch of the new portal, the bank is ready to provide finances to support businesses in the oil and gas industry.”
