The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has issued the NCEC Application Guidance Notes, with effect from December 2025, and stated that Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates are not transferable.
The guidance notes were published by the board as part of efforts to implement Presidential Directives on Local Content Requirements and to standardise participation in the Nigerian oil and gas contracting process.
The document, available on the board’s website and NCEC application portal, outlines requirements for service companies applying for Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates.
It emphasises that possession of a valid NCEC issued by NCDMB is a key requirement for firms to participate in oil and gas industry contracting processes.
The guidance notes say that unmerited possession or misuse of NCECs during tendering and bid evaluations has contributed to contracting delays and the admission of unqualified intermediaries into the process.
It states that the notes were prepared to address issues such as single and multiple NCEC applications not matched with actual capacity, submission of fake or forged documents, under-declaration of personnel, non-existent offices or equipment, and other dubious applications.
The notes provide all documentation and requirement details needed to complete credible applications on the first attempt.
They also explain that certificates cannot be transferred for use by another company and that subsidiaries or local partners may not apply for separate NCECs using the same facilities, equipment, assets, or documentation.
Under the guidance notes, service companies must provide sufficient supporting evidence of their service offerings when applying for any NCEC category.
The board also outlined eight categories of NCECs covering sectors such as manufacturing and related services, fabrication and construction, services and support, quality control inspection and testing, procurement and supplies, and consultancy services.
The board stressed that it does not charge any application, processing, or approval fees for NCECs or other certifications and advised applicants against the use of agents or third parties.
Companies applying for multiple certificates must demonstrate adequate capacity in assets, facilities, equipment, and personnel, and the board said it will conduct facility visits to verify claims in multiple applications.
The guidance notes clarify that certificates are not granted in anticipation of future investments. they are approved based on functional equipment and assets with dedicated resources and utilities in place to perform the services.
The document lists services that do not require NCECs, including telecommunications providers, commercial airlines, educational institutions, legal advisory services, public relations and events management firms, and government agencies.
The board said submission of forged, altered, or falsified documents constitutes a criminal offence and may attract legal as well as administrative sanctions.
