NCDMB Tackles Sterling Oil Over Non-Compliance with Nigerian Content Regulations
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has responded firmly to recent concerns raised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over allegations of expatriate quota abuse and anti-labour practices by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO).
In a statement following PENGASSAN’s protest at SEEPCO headquarters in Lagos, NCDMB commended the union for highlighting ongoing expatriate-related violations. The Board reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, designed to promote employment and capacity building for Nigerians.
NCDMB highlighted its past regulatory actions against SEEPCO:
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2017: Five expatriates were identified without necessary approvals. SEEPCO was penalized and mandated to train five Nigerians in marine and drilling engineering.
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2018: SEEPCO was found to have deployed 402 expatriates without approval and awarded several contracts and purchase orders without clearance. The Board imposed penalties and directed SEEPCO to disengage the expatriates, comply with quota processes, remit outstanding Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) payments, and train and employ 40 Nigerians.
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2018–2020: SEEPCO failed to comply, prompting NCDMB to initiate legal proceedings.
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2020: An out-of-court settlement saw SEEPCO agree to corrective actions. While they completed the training of 40 Nigerians by 2022, employment commitments and full NCDF payments remain unfulfilled.
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2023: SEEPCO secured approval for only three expatriate positions and has been granted a total of seven between 2017 and 2023.
The Board revealed it has scheduled a performance review session with SEEPCO for March 2025 and will continue to demand compliance.
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NCDMB clarified that its expatriate quota oversight applies strictly to companies within the oil and gas sector, while non-oil expatriate matters are handled by the Ministry of Interior.
Reiterating its mission, the Board pledged to continue enforcing the NOGICD Act to create employment opportunities, deepen Nigerian content, and promote sustainable economic growth. It welcomed ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, including labour unions, to ensure compliance and sectoral progress.
