NIPC SERVICE CHARTER

THE CHARTER

The Federal Government has embarked on comprehensive and far-reaching economic reforms agenda as encapsulated in the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) blue print. At the center of the reforms is the commitment to create a more efficient and responsive Public Sector.

To the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the successful implementation of NEEDS would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Commission in creating and sustaining a conducive and attractive investment climate for Nigeria. It is against this background that, this Service Charter is evolved as an expression of commitment by the Council, Management and Staff of NIPC to position the organization for excellent service delivery in carrying out its mandate. Accordingly, we (the Council, Management and Staff of NIPC) do hereby set for ourselves and the Commission the following service targets and standards to which we can be held accountable.

The Council, Management and staff of NIPC adopted this corporate governance charter specifically tailored towards the mandate of the Commission. This charter also reflects the Commission’s commitment to be customer focused with a view to enhancing stakeholders’ value and to portray good corporate citizen. This charter will be an evolving set of corporate governance principles, subject to alteration as circumstances warrant and based on changing needs of investors/clients.

OUR MISSION:-

To proactively Position and Promote Nigeria as the Preferred Investment
Haven.

OUR VISION:-

To be Pre-eminent Investment Promotion Agency in the Emerging Markets.

OUR MANDATE:-

The Commission is mandated to encourage, promote and co-ordinate investment in the Nigerian Economy. The enabling law empowers the Commission to facilitate the grant of approvals on fiscal concessions on industry related incentives such as:

(i) Pioneer industries;
(ii) Local raw material utilization;
(iii) Export oriented industry;
(iv) Implant training;
(v) Investment on infrastructural facilities;
(vi) Research and development;
(vii) Investment in economically disadvantaged areas; provided that the fiscal incentives for which approvals are given shall be for tax concessions.

• Attract investments in and outside Nigeria through promotional means;
• Register and keep records of all enterprises as applicable;
• Advice the Federal Government on policy matters including fiscal measures designed to promote the industrialization of Nigeria.
• Serve as a coordinating and approval centre at the Federal level, for all governmental approvals with respect to the establishment and operation of industries or business undertakings, and with respect to the operation of governmental measures and schemes aimed at promoting industrialization of the Country.

WHAT WE ARE:-

• The NIPC is the only legally empowered Federal Government agency in Nigeria established by an act (i.e. NIPC Act N0. 16 of 1995) to promote, coordinate and monitor all investment in Nigeria.
• We are a One-Stop-Shop agency for investment promotion and facilitation in Nigeria.
• We provide and facilitate business entry approvals and authorizations in our One stop Investment Center (OSIC)
• We report to and are supervised directly by the Presidency.
• We maintain vertical and horizontal relationships with other
  agencies of government and the private sector for the purpose of investment facilitation in Nigeria.
• We provide a range of investment related services that
  span through Investment Promotion, Investors Relation, Investment friendly Policy Advocacy and Post Investment after-care services.
• We engage in team building across international, multilateral institutions such as United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS), to facilitate the implementation of new Institutional Strategy for investment promotion.
• Our Governing Council is made up of accomplished industrialist, Captains of industries and experienced technocrats and bureaucrats.
• The Commission is organized into three operational Departments of Investment Promotion, Investors Relation and Policy Advocacy and External Relations, with two Support Departments of Finance and Administration, Human Resources Development and Units in the Office of the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer.
• OSIC was established to coordinate, streamline and fast track business entry processes and procedures.
• We are equipped with staffs that have requisite competencies and skills in the art of best practices on investment facilitation.

OUR CORE VALUES:-

As a service organization, the NIPC continually strive to reach the highest levels of quality in its programmes and services through continual analysis of investment climate, assessment of the macroeconomic development as it affects investment and improvement of customers/stakeholders’ relations.

The following are our non-negotiable beliefs and guiding principles:

Excellence

As an investment facilitating agency, we seek to build a caring culture of excellence that fosters confidence, integrity and helpfulness to our customers from diverse and complex investment environments. Excellence in service characterizes our mission.

Client and Customer Focus

We endeavor to deliver service of exceptional quality to our clients, custom-tailored to their unique needs.

Access

NIPC serves stakeholders with a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience through open access to investment programmes and services. We nurture new and expansive patterns of thinking. We provide a safe, healthy and barrier-free service. Because we are open to all investors, transparency and accountability are our watch word.

Learning

All members of the Commission are willing learners, resourceful and hardworking. We strive to make learning relevant and connected to the process of investment. Learning is transformative, personal and tailored to the needs and goals of the investment community.

Innovation

As a service organization, NIPC values creative pathways to fulfill the commission’s vision and mission, consistently encouraging collaborative and strategic investment promotion. We continually expand our capacity to create high standards of performance through the vertical and horizontal relationship with the public and private sector for facilitating investment in Nigeria.

Teamwork

We believe that more can be achieved through working in teams than as individuals. We communicate and work across organizational and geographic boundaries to meet the ever changing needs of our clients. Our teams have commitment to a common goal, clearly defined roles, complementary skills, flexibility, and trust.

Patriotism

NIPC is committed to protect and preserve the image and integrity of Nigeria and the investment community. We develop the best international relations with investors and embrace internationally sustainable best practices.

OUR SERVICES:-

• NIPC offer support services such as facilitation of Registration of Companies, liaison services between investors and Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments, Government Agencies, and other authorities concerned with investment.
• NIPC through OSIC incorporates companies, grant business entry permits, tax clearance certification and business authorization
• We facilitate fast track approvals for the establishment and operation of any business or industry in Nigeria.
• We advice on request, sources of investment capital and its availability.
• We maintain a website (www.nipc-nigeria.org) that offers the following online services:
  
  * Enquiry response
  * E-mailing service
  * Information on investment opportunities and Government incentives
  * Business Registration forms
  * Links to websites of organizations dealing with investment related activities in Nigeria
  * One Stop Shop and e-payment platform
  
• We issue Pioneer Status incentive to enable companies enjoy tax holidays.
• We facilitate issuance of Business Permits to enable foreign Investors to commence business in Nigeria.
• We facilitate the grant of Expatriate Quota to enable foreign companies engage the services of expatriates.
• We have offices in five geo-political zone of the Country that offer support services on sectoral and zonal priority areas of investment.
• We grant tax clearance certificates to new companies investing in Nigeria.
• We engage in match-making credible local business partners with foreign investors on request.
• The NIPC identifies difficulties and problems encountered by investors and renders assistance to them. We also serve as the link for Government to gauge the impact of its policies as it concerns the investment climate in Nigeria.
• We are building a reliable databank of credible local businesses.
• We maintain Post-Investment after care services and ensure that the Nigeria’s Investment Climate remains favorable and investor- friendly.
• We tract and maintain up-to-date data on FDI in Nigeria.
• We collect, collate, analyse and disseminate authentic and accurate packaged information about investment opportunities, policies, sectoral incentives, for investment in Nigeria. We also provide information on request, on sources of investment capital, the availability, choice and suitability of partners in joint-venture projects.

OUR CLIENTS:-

• Investors: Existing and new investors, local and foreign
• Private and public corporations both local and foreign
• International Agencies
• Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments
• Foreign Missions in Nigeria
• Multilateral organizations
• Nigerian Missions Abroad
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Research institutes
• Consultancy and law Firms
• Consultants
• Academia
• Individuals

HOW TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES:-

• NIPC Website at http://www.nipc-nigeria.org
• Print Publications (Investors Guide, Investing in the Nigerian Economy, Investment Incentives in Nigeria, Investment Opportunities in Nigeria and other publications).
• Vital Telephone Services:

Department Tel. N0s. To Call

Investors Relations: - 234-9-4134282
234-9-4134820
Fax: 234-9-4134820

Investment Promotion: - 234-9-4134112
Fax: 234-9-4134821

Policy Advocacy and External Relation: - 234-9-4132940
Fax:- 234-9-4132224

Directorate of the Office of the Executive Secretary: - 234-9-4132942
Fax: 234-9-4132342

Human Resources Development: - 234-9-4132730
Fax: 234-9-4136742

Finance and Administration: - 234-9-4132731
Fax:- 234-9-4138034

One Stop Investment Center: - 234-9-4132941
(OSIC) 234-9-4132489
Fax: 234-9-4137483

OSIC Client Support:- 234-9-4132489

• “The Investment Facilitator”: A periodical publication of NIPC.
• Our services can also be assessed at the zonal offices of the Commission located at Ibadan, Enugu, Maiduguri, Jos and Kano.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:-

• Registration of Companies for Business Permit/ Registration within 24hrs on meeting the following requirements:

(i) Formal application letter to the Executive Secretary
(ii) Duly Completed NIPC Form I (Registration form) and evidence of payment
(iii) Evidence of Incorporation
(iv) CAC forms CO2 and CO7 (if incorporated outside OSIC)
(v) Power of Attorney/Letter of Authority (Where applicable)

(b) Fees:
(ii) Processing and Collection of
Business Permit Certificates: N 25,000.00

• Amendment of Business Permit within 48hrs at the cost of N 25,000.00.
• Facilitate the grant of Expatriate Quota by the immigration
  Desk in NIPC within 20 working days if the following requirements are met:

(i) Tax Clearance Certificate

(ii) Evidence that the personnel required is/are not likely to be available in Nigeria.

(iii) Minimum share capital of N10million

(iv) Give: names, addresses, qualifications and positions to be occupied by the expatriates.

(v) The Company must produce its project implementation program.

(vi) The Company must produce a training program for Nigerians in addition to management succession schedule.

(vii) The Company will furnish the Commission with its Feasibility Report where applicable especially for new and Pioneer industries.

(viii) Management and Technical Services Agreement (for Service Companies).

(ix) Memorandum and Article of association

(x) Technical Service Agreement

(b) Fees:

(i) Processing Fee - N25,000.00

(ii) Payment of N10,000.00 for each expatriate quota position approved.

• Approval and Granting of Pioneer Status Incentive Certificate within 14 working days on meeting the following requirements:

(a) The Company applying for this incentive must have its line of business among the list of approved pioneer products. (The list is obtainable from the NIPC Headquarters in Abuja, Zonal Offices and the NIPC website (www.nipc-nigeria.org).
(b)
(i) Formal Application to the Executive Secretary
(ii) Certificate of Incorporation.
(iii) Minimum Share Capital : N10 million
(iv) Forms CAC2 & CAC7
(v) Verification Visit by NIPC

(c) Other activities include Visit by Industrial expectorate Department of the Ministry of Industry to ascertain the production date.

(d) Fees:

(i) NIPC Form II: N 20,000.00
(ii) Processing fee: N 50,000.00
(iii) Approval letter and Certificate: N 30,000.00
(iv) Application for extension free
(v) Approval of Pioneer extension N50,000.00

WHAT WE WILL DO:-

• NIPC maintains a zero tolerance on corruption in our transaction with clients.
• Treat you with respect and courtesy, maintaining confidentiality at all times;
• Be helpful and resourceful, in our dealings with you, giving reasons for our decisions;
• Show concern for investors and ensure that contacts with them are friendly and geared towards mechanisms that will assist in sustaining profitable investments;
• Refer enquiries we cannot answer to an appropriate source
  or obtain appropriate responses on your behalf;
• Avail to investors current Government policies on
  Investment especially in the area of incentives for investors
• Present our information clearly, using plain English, understandable graphics, or other means relevant to your needs;
• Ensure that our publications and web services are kept up-to-date with the latest information and services;
• Ensure that our Website is easy to use and well set out for navigational purposes;
• Work with investors to develop an incentive package
  tailored towards the requirements of a particular investment;
• Visit your Company to identify your problems in
  the industry you are operating;
• Intervene on your behalf to make Nigeria’s business
  environment investment friendly.
• Be available 8.30 am to 5 pm (minimum) Monday
  to Friday at our Head Office in Abuja and the Zonal
  Offices.
• Our website services (www.nipc-nigeria.org) will be
  available 24 hours every day.
• Answer your phone calls promptly, and ensure that
  unattended phone in operational service areas are redirected or provided with an answering service;
• Reply to your letters and e-mails, faxes within 72 working
  hours. On more complex issues, our initial reply will give you an estimate of the time a full response will take.

FUTURE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT

• We aim at achieving $3.5 billion FDI, in the country
  annually.
• We will ensure that the accuracy and quality of our services undergo continuous improvement and innovation.
• We will upgrade the way we deliver our web services in line with improvements in technology and the changing needs of investors.
• WE work closely with investors to develop an incentive package tailored toward the requirements of a particular investment.
• Solve Investor’s problems even at the highest political level if need be.
• We aim at communicating with investors in other international languages (eg. French. Chinese).
• We shall submit ourselves to Peer Review.
  
  HOW WE SHALL BE ACCOUNTABLE
  
  
• Monitor our performance against the standard set in this Charter and provide explanation when any of the services rendered by the NIPC does not meet acceptable standards of quality, timeliness or accuracy. We are empowered to admit our mistakes and to accept responsibility for correcting them. We consider our clients to be the only reliable judge of our performance.
• Publish our performance in our Annual Report and other publications, which are available on request at the NIPC Head office and the zonal offices. The report will also be available on the NIPC website.
• The content of this Charter shall be published and made available to existing and prospective clients of the Commission.

HOW DO YOU HELP US:-

• We welcome your views and comments, which can be
  forwarded through any of the accessibility options identified above.
• We may occasionally seek your input to random surveys of how the existing investors perceive our services and what services you need.
• Tell us about the difficulties you are experiencing in your line of business so that we may be of assistance.
• Any complaints about the quality of service you
  received from us or about any failure on our part, to provide such services (or any demand for bribe) should be addressed to:
  
  THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/CEO
  NIGERIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COMMSSION (NIPC)
  
  Tel:- 234-9-4138025,
  Fax:-234-9-4134306, 234-9-4138021
  Email: support@nipc-nigeria.org
  info@nipc-nigeria.org
  
• Corporate Development Unit,
  NIPC Head Office, Abuja.
  Tel: 234-09-4132941
  Fax:- 234-9-4132489