Follow Us on Google
By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has escalated enforcement of the one per cent Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) levy, warning upstream operators and contractors that failure to remit into its designated accounts will invalidate payments and shut them out of key regulatory services.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Felix Ogbe, reminded industry players that the levy is a statutory obligation under Section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act — not a discretionary charge and not federal revenue payable into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He stressed that one per cent of the value of every upstream contract must be paid strictly into accounts formally designated by the Board, warning that any remittance made outside those channels “shall not be recognised as valid payment” under the Act.
The compliance push underscores the Board’s resolve to protect the NCDF, a ring-fenced development fund used to finance indigenous contractors, industry training, capacity building and affordable funding support aimed at deepening Nigerian participation across the oil and gas value chain.
Other News
In what signals a tougher regulatory stance, the Board announced that possession of a Nigerian Content Development Fund Compliance Certificate (NCFCC) is now mandatory for accessing its approvals and services.
Without a valid certificate, companies will be denied regulatory documents, project approvals, equipment certification and other clearances issued by the NCDMB.
The Board urged companies to immediately regularise outstanding remittances to avoid disruptions to project timelines, noting that the certification process is fully digital via its online portal and requires submission of contract details and evidence of payment.
The Board insisted that compliance with the NCDF levy is no longer procedural — it is now a frontline condition for operating in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
