By Udeme Akpan

THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has introduced new palliatives to reduce the negative impact of Coronavirus pandemic on beneficiaries of loans, under the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund.

The palliatives, including a reduction of the interest rate from eight to six percent per annum, extension of moratorium and tenure extension take effect from April 01, 2020.

In a statement obtained by Vanguard, the NCDMB stated: “The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote explained that these palliatives seek to reinforce the various economic stimulus packages by the Federal Government to support businesses to overcome the difficulties created by the coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria.

“He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to continue to provide impetus to businesses in the oil and gas industry to surmount emerging operating difficulties in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction.

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“Under this palliative regime, all running loans with outstanding tenor within three years will be extended by six months, while all running loan facilities with a tenor above three years will get extra 12 months tenor. “

According to the statement, “Similarly, there will be moratorium extension on all running loan facilities under manufacturing, asset acquisition and contract finance with outstanding tenor not exceeding 3 years by 6 months and by 12 months for all applicable running loan facilities, effective April 01, 2020.

“The five loan products under the NCI Fund are manufacturing, asset acquisition, contract finance, loan refinancing and community contractor financing. However, there have been no disbursements yet under Community Contractor Financing to date.

“The Board also confirmed that about 91 percent of the US$200m NCI Fund had been disbursed to 26 beneficiaries and many of the borrowers have started repaying.  It indicated that the current success rate of the Intervention Fund is above 95 percent.

“Since the COVID 19 outbreak and lockdown in Nigeria, NCDMB has continued to roll out measures to ensure resilience and business continuity in the oil and gas industry.  Just last week, the Board offered business advisory  to Project 100 companies and other oil and gas service companies in Nigeria on how to navigate through these precarious times and remain resilient. The Board also directed NLNG to give priority to Project 100 companies with proven capacities in the Train 7 project.”

It added: “Much more than these, despite the lockdown, NCDMB also wrote to NLNG granting final clearance on Nigerian Content requirements and for the Train 7 contract to be signed and project to commence. Even on the fight against COVID19, the Board also donated ambulances and medical equipment to some states.”

Vanguard