The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called on oil and gas companies and other industry stakeholders to adopt its newly launched digital platform to improve efficiency, transparency and competitiveness in the sector.
The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, made the call on Wednesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the unveiling of the new portal. He was represented at the event by an NCDMB manager, Emmanuel Yusuf.
Ogbe explained that the new Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate Portal was introduced to address delays associated with the previous manual process, which could take several weeks.
According to him, the digital platform will allow companies to apply for compliance certificates online without visiting NCDMB offices or submitting physical paperwork. It will also provide instant application updates, enable regulators to verify compliance in real time and create a central digital record that investors and lenders can rely on.
He said the faster process would help eligible companies gain quicker access to funding and enable them to invest in projects that create jobs, build local capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
Ogbe also noted that the Nigerian Content compliance certificate is an important requirement for companies seeking access to the Nigerian Content Fund. Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, one per cent of every contract awarded in the industry is deducted at source and paid into the fund.
Representatives of the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank also expressed support for the initiative and pledged to assist indigenous businesses in the oil and gas sector.
The Bank of Industry representative, Olamide Oladele, said the bank was prepared to provide financing opportunities to businesses in the sector following the launch of the new portal.
The NCDMB urged stakeholders to fully embrace the platform, stressing that its success would depend on widespread adoption and active participation by industry players.
