Oil and gas sector companies seeking work permits on or after June 6, 2016 must provide evidence of registration with the Nigerian Content and Development Management Board (NCDMB), and those involved in engineering projects must register with the Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), according to new requirements issued by the Nigerian Immigration authorities.

The additional requirements are intended to ensure that companies in the oil and gas sector comply with federal government policy and that employees in the engineering sector meet federal competency standards.

Background

Both processes result from a restructuring of the oil and gas sector that is meant to improve the efficiency and transparency of the industry and to ensure that local workers are fairly considered in the labor market.

What This Means for Employers

Employers in the oil and gas sector must now complete an additional registration during the work permit application process, and should contact their immigration professional to comply with the new regulations for future work permit applications.

Employers who require registration assistance may incur additional fees due to the additional step in the process.

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