Higher Scrutiny in Oil and Gas Sector Temporary Work Permit Application Process
June 6, 2018

The situation
Employers submitting Temporary Work Permit applications must first submit documents to the Nigerian National Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), instead of optionally skipping this step, as the NCDMB is conducting checks to ensure this step was completed.
A closer look
- Required documentation. Applications submitted to the NCDMB must be accompanied by specific documents, including a job description for each position being filled, evidence that the skilled services are specialized and a letter of invitation from the host entity, among others.
- Processing time. The NCDMB step takes an extra two to three weeks in the TWP process, bringing the entire process – which also involves submitting applications to the Nigerian Immigration Service and the relevant Nigerian consular post – to six to eight weeks.
- Validity period. TWP applications that undergo the NCMDB step are only valid for a non-renewable period of three months, as opposed to those that do not, which are renewable past 90 days.
Impact
Employers should be prepared for TWP holders’ applications to be audited by the NCDMB.
Employers found to have failed to complete the NCDMB step may be banned from sponsoring future TWP applications or may face repatriation of TWP holders.
Background
The government has increased scrutiny of the NCDMB step to ensure local employees access to employment opportunities.
Looking ahead
Fragomen expects the Nigerian government to continue to scrutinize TWP applications in the oil and gas sector in order to encourage employers recruit local workers.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.