The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled the Nigerian Content Fund Clearance Certificate (NCFCC), now a mandatory compliance requirement for all contractors and operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The certificate was launched during a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop in Lagos, alongside an upgraded Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) payment portal and a revised Community Contractors Finance Scheme. The initiatives are designed to enhance compliance, transparency, and access to finance for indigenous contractors.
This was contained in a statement signed by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, and made available to journalists. The statement reads partly:
“This programme is more than a workshop; it reaffirms our commitment to deepen Nigerian content, enhance oversight, and open up financing opportunities for indigenous and community-based contractors,” Ogbe stated.
“We have removed critical access barriers by collaborating with banks like FCMB to bring financing closer to host communities,” Zubair said.
“It is now a precondition for bidding, certifications, and approvals. Processing takes 14 working days, and the certificate is valid for 12 months. Companies are required to submit their requests via the NOGIC-JQS portal,” Epemu added.
Over 130 indigenous firms have accessed funding from the $400 million Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund, managed by NCDMB in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). The fund provides low-cost financing to qualified oil service companies, boosting competitiveness and deepening Nigerian content in the sector.
Mr Mubaraq Zubair, Acting Director of Finance and Personnel Management at NCDMB, explained that the upgraded NCDF portal and NCFCC system facilitate real-time remittance verification and streamline approval processes. He added that the revised Community Contractors Finance Scheme would expand grassroots participation and financial inclusion.
BOI’s Group Head, Oil and Gas, Mr Gabriel Yemilade, disclosed that the bank had disbursed $348.296 million and ₦48.289 billion to 79 local firms active in marine logistics, upstream exploration, modular refining, gas processing, and fabrication. He reaffirmed BOI’s administration of the Community Contractors Scheme, offering loans of up to ₦100 million at eight per cent annual interest, secured by valid contracts or standing payment orders.
FCMB’s Head of Midstream and Dealers, Akintomide James, highlighted the bank’s role in disbursing the ₦50 billion Community Contractors Fund, aimed at supporting community-based contractors and indigenous service providers. The scheme features competitive pricing, flexible collateral, and tailored financing solutions including LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset acquisition support.
NEXIM Bank also launched two dedicated funding windows worth $50 million, comprising a $30 million General Facility and a $20 million Women in Oil and Gas Programme, targeting equipment leasing, contract finance, and working capital. Mohammed Awami, Head of Specialised Business, noted a success ratio of 4.6:1, empowering local service providers while promoting gender diversity.
General Manager of the NCDF, Fateemah Mohammed, represented by Erefagha Turner, observed that although disbursement volumes have grown, many applicants still struggle with collateral and documentation. The Board plans to expand sensitisation campaigns, simplify requirements, and introduce flexible security structures, particularly for women and community-based groups.