By Dele Ogunyemi
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Tuesday unveiled a new digital portal aimed at automating the issuance of compliance certificates for contractors and operators in the oil and gas industry.
The inauguration took place in Warri, Delta State, during the ‘Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Programme on the Upgrade of NCDF Payment Portal.’
The event, organised in partnership with the Bank of Industry and NEXIM, also featured technical sessions and an interactive panel discussion with industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Board’s Director of Finance and Personnel Management, Mr Ossa Uchendu, represented by the Manager of Finance and Accounts, Mr Desmond Awumade, described the initiative as “a game-changer for the sector”.
He said, “It is with immense pride that we gather today for the official unveiling of the Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate Portal.
“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.”
Under the Nigerian Content Act, contractors and operators are required to remit one per cent of the value of every upstream contract into the Nigerian Content Development Fund. The compliance certificate serves as proof of remittance and a prerequisite for accessing the fund.
He said, “It is with immense pride that we gather today for the official unveiling of the Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate Portal.
“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.”
Under the Nigerian Content Act, contractors and operators are required to remit one per cent of the value of every upstream contract into the Nigerian Content Development Fund. The compliance certificate serves as proof of remittance and a prerequisite for accessing the fund.
“By digitising the process, the portal enhances access to the fund. 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.
He added that the portal reflects a forward-thinking approach to regulation.
“This portal is more than a digital tool. It is a commitment to innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
“It reflects the forward-thinking approach of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, recognising that the future of regulation is not just enforcement, but enablement,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Oladipupo Adebanjo of the Bank of Industry, Oil and Gas Group, lauded the collaboration between BOI and NCDMB, which birthed the Nigeria Content Intervention Fund.
He also noted the existence of a community contractor fund designed to support the entire ecosystem.
Adebanjo directed applicants to the portal, ncdmb.boi.ng, explaining, “As long as they make one per cent contribution to the funds, they have a remittance ID, which they will use to login into the portal and access the fund. These funds are readily available for individuals, companies and players in the oil and gas industry.”
Mr Turner Erefa, Manager of the Fund and Treasury Management Division of NCDMB, described the fund as a critical resource for the industry.
“The fund, which is currently over 500 million dollars, is designed to support the industry at single digit with moratorium premiums on yearly interest and is in conjunction with the development banks of industry,” he said.
Erefa stressed the importance of the newly unveiled certificate, stating, “The essence of the certificate we have unveiled today is to ensure that compliance with the one per cent levy, which is the majorsource of this fund, is adhered to by all players in the industry.”
