Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled a new certification programme aimed at improving the quality of workforce training in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, a move expected to strengthen local capacity and align industry skills with evolving technological demands, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Board announced plans to commence the issuance of the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) during a sensitisation workshop for members of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
NCDMB, SNEPCo, LADOL Launch Training Programme to Boost Local Content Workforce
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Infrastructure and Capacity Building Directorate, Barr. Sheba Olugbenga, said the certification framework was developed to ensure that only qualified and competent professionals are entrusted with training and workforce development across the industry.
He noted that the initiative is critical to sustaining Nigerian Content growth, as the quality of human capital available to the sector depends largely on the competence of those responsible for developing industry professionals.
According to Ogbe, rapid technological advancements, changing industry requirements and innovations across the oil and gas value chain have increased the need for standardised and sustainable in-country capacity development.
“The constantly changing services and requirements in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, driven by technological advancements and smart innovations, have created the need for strategic and sustainable in-country capacity development and standardisation,” he said.
Industry observers say the certification programme could help address longstanding concerns over training quality and competency gaps by establishing a uniform benchmark for trainers, ultimately improving the readiness of Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce to meet emerging industry needs.
During an interactive session, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, warned prospective applicants against patronising individuals or organisations claiming they could facilitate or fast-track the certification process.
He stressed that registration is completely free and urged trainers to apply only through approved channels to avoid exploitation.
Bamidele also disclosed that the Board is working to incorporate selected training tools and course templates into the curriculum of the Nigerian Content Academy (NCA), NCDMB’s knowledge-sharing and capacity development arm.
READ MORE :
NCDMB, Chevron, Bristow Launch Pilot Training Programme to Boost Indigenous Aviation Capacity
The initiative, he said, would support service providers and operating companies in delivering specialised training programmes and building a more competent workforce.
He further commended OGTAN for its sustained collaboration with the Board, particularly in preparing young graduates for employment opportunities in the oil and gas sector and contributing to training needs assessments that helped shape the certification framework.
According to NCDMB, the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate will cover 11 areas of specialisation, spanning both technical and soft-skill competencies required within the industry.
The certification programme forms part of the Board’s broader efforts to strengthen operational readiness, improve training quality and maintain high professional standards across Nigeria’s local content workforce.
With the oil and gas sector increasingly driven by technology and specialised expertise, the NCTRC is expected to play a key role in developing a pool of certified trainers capable of equipping Nigerian professionals with the skills needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
