The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a new digital platform designed to transition the oil and gas industry away from manual compliance processing. The platform aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness across the domestic energy sector.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, announced the launch in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Represented by NCDMB Manager Emmanuel Yusuf, Ogbe emphasized that the platform's success relies heavily on collective adoption by industry stakeholders.

Developed in partnership with the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, the rollout featured a technical session and interactive panel discussions with stakeholders from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The sensitization program, themed Compliance Certificate System, Upgraded NCDF Payment Portal and the Revised Community Scheme, addresses long-standing manual bottlenecks. Previously, manual compliance confirmation caused project approval delays lasting several weeks, creating regulatory uncertainty for investors.

The newly unveiled Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate Portal allows operators to submit online applications, receive real-time status updates, and eliminate physical paperwork. Regulators can now verify compliance instantly, creating a single digital record for investors and lenders.

Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, operators must deduct 1% of every contract awarded in the industry. The compliance certificate serves as proof of this deduction, which is mandatory for accessing the Fund and verifying national development obligations.

Representatives from partner financial institutions pledged continued support for local vendors. Mrs. Olamide Oladele, representing the Bank of Industry, stated that the bank is fully prepared to provide credit and financial support to indigenous oil and gas businesses utilizing the new portal.