What NCDMB registration involves
To work in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, service companies deal with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). In practice, “NCDMB registration” is two steps:
- NOGIC JQS registration: an account and company profile on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System, the industry databank used for Nigerian Content registration and contractor prequalification.
- NCEC application: a Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate for each service category you want to work in, applied for through the JQS portal.
This guide summarises both steps from NCDMB’s published guidance. Always check the official sources before you apply, because requirements change.
Step 1: Register on NOGIC JQS
Service company accounts are created by an NCDMB administrator on request. According to the NOGIC JQS service company guideline, you email the support desk with:
- A cover letter stating your intent
- CAC documents: certificate of incorporation, Form CO2 and Form CO7
- Your company name, RC number, telephone number, address and default email address
- A NUPRC or NMDPRA permit
You then receive login details by email, change the temporary password, and complete your company profile: basic information, ownership documents, shareholders, staff and the services you provide.
Step 2: Apply for an NCEC
Once your profile is complete, you apply for an NCEC on the NCEC portal of the JQS. NCDMB’s December 2025 guidance notes set out eight categories:
| NCEC category | Validity | ISO 9001:2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing and Related Services (MS) | 2 years | Required |
| Fabrication and Construction (FC) | 2 years | Required |
| Construction and Moveable Equipment (EC) | 2 years | Attach if held |
| Quality Control Inspection and Testing (QS) | 1 year | Required |
| Services and Support (SS) | 1 year | Attach if held |
| Non-Moveable Assets (DA) | 1 year | Attach if held |
| Procurement and Supplies (PS) | 1 year | Attach if held |
| Consultancy Services (CS) | 1 year | Attach if held |
Documents NCDMB asks for in every category
- CAC certificate, Forms C07 and C02, and a CAC status report showing the company is active
- Evidence of the largest single contract executed in the last five years (or “none”)
- Signed and sealed audited annual financial report
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- NSITF certificate, personnel organogram and evidence of employment for listed staff
- Purchase receipts and proof of payment for listed equipment (unpaid invoices are not accepted)
- Recent pictures and videos of your equipment and facilities, taken by you
- ISO certification, where applicable
- Expatriate quota approval, only if you employ foreign staff
Facility verification and timelines
NCDMB may inspect your facilities physically or virtually, and may test-run equipment. Its stated targets are five working days to return an application for correction or inspection, and fifteen working days to approve a complete application. Equipment must be owned, not leased, and an NCEC cannot be transferred to another company.
Where ISO 9001 comes in
For the MS, FC and QS categories, NCDMB requires an ISO 9001:2015 certificate. To be accepted, the certificate must:
- Cover the services you are applying for (for example fabrication, pipe threading or NDT)
- Carry a barcode or a link to the issuer’s website so it can be verified
- Be issued by a certification body accredited under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
- If issued by SON, also appear in the SON database, with a screenshot attached
QS applicants are also asked to attach other quality certifications they hold, such as API, ASME or AWS. Read more in ISO certification for oil and gas: what NCDMB requires.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying an agent to submit your application. NCDMB guidance says applications must come from the company itself and that NCDMB charges no fees.
- Applying for categories outside your core services, or listing equipment you do not own
- Using old, internet or AI-generated pictures and videos of facilities
- Attaching an ISO certificate whose scope does not match the services applied for, or one that cannot be verified online
- Submitting forged or altered documents, which NCDMB treats as a criminal offence
Sources: NCDMB NCEC Application Guidance Notes (December 2025); NOGIC JQS service company guideline; NOGIC JQS. This guide is for information only and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOGIC JQS registration the same as an NCEC?
No. NOGIC JQS registration gives your company an account and profile on the Joint Qualification System. The NCEC (Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate) is a separate certificate you apply for through the JQS portal for each service category.
Do I need ISO 9001 for an NCEC?
For the Manufacturing, Fabrication and Construction, and Quality Control Inspection and Testing categories, yes. NCDMB requires an ISO 9001:2015 certificate covering the services you apply for, issued by a certification body accredited under the IAF.
How long is an NCEC valid?
Two years for Manufacturing, Fabrication and Construction, and Construction and Moveable Equipment. One year for the other categories. Renewal can start 30 days before expiry.
Does NCDMB charge for NCEC applications?
NCDMB states that it does not charge for NCEC applications, processing or approval, and that agents or third parties must not submit applications on a company’s behalf.
How long does NCDMB take to approve an NCEC?
NCDMB’s guidance sets targets of five working days to return an application for correction or inspection, and fifteen working days to approve a complete application or one that has passed facility inspection.
Can SCL help with my NCDMB registration?
SCL is a certification body, so we cannot prepare or submit your NCDMB application. We can certify your quality management system to ISO 9001:2015 with a scope that matches the services you are applying for, so the certificate supports your NCEC application.