The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Ogbe, announced on Tuesday that the Board has enhanced its certification process to prevent intermediaries and dishonest operators from acquiring Nigerian Content compliance documents.

Speaking at the Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Ogbe mentioned that this initiative aligns with the Presidential Directive on Local Content Requirements and has notably diminished the incidence of duplicate and fraudulent applications for the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate and other approvals.

The NCEC issued by the NCDMB confirms that the equipment used by companies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector adheres to local content regulations. This certification is part of efforts to bolster local capacity and is necessary for engaging in specific tenders and bids. It is awarded to companies engaged in assembling, manufacturing, calibrating, or providing equipment for the local oil and gas sector.

Ogbe announced that starting from 1 January 2026, all NCECs and similar certifications will be non-transferable.

He stated, “In accordance with the Presidential Directive on Local Content Requirements, the board has implemented measures to prevent intermediaries from securing NCECs and other certifications. This has resulted in a reduction of multiple applications from questionable service companies. From January 1, 2026, our NCECs and other certificates will not be transferable, ensuring that entities lacking NCECs cannot participate in the tendering process.”

The Executive Secretary also pointed out key initiatives the Board intends to introduce in 2026, including the NCDMB Technology Challenge in the first quarter and the Research and Development Fair planned for the second quarter.

Regarding human capacity development, Ogbe shared that the Board recently launched the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, designed to focus on the top 10 in-demand skills to improve job placement opportunities for participants.

“So far, we have received more than 11,000 applications for the Field Readiness Programme,” he stated.

He highlighted significant industry projects overseen by the Board, which include SNEPCo’s Bonga North Tranche 1, Renaissance EPU Phase 3 Development, TotalEnergies’ Ubeta Gas Development, the NNPC AKK Pipeline, the OB3 Gas Pipeline, ELPS Phase 3, the Odidi–Warri Expansion, and NLNG Train 7.

Ogbe also mentioned the Board’s ongoing Back-to-Creek initiative, aimed at promoting STEM education in rural communities across the Niger Delta.