Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12-month specialised training programme to equip 300 young Nigerian graduates with industry-relevant technical and professional skills for careers in the oil and gas sector, Prime Business Africa reports.
The initiative, known as the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, combines three months of classroom instruction with nine months of on-the-job training (OJT) at partner oil and gas service companies. A total of 300 trainees were selected through a competitive process, with 240 participants undergoing training in Lagos and the remaining 60 in Port Harcourt.
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Speaking at the programme’s inauguration on Saturday, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the initiative aligns with the Board’s mandate to develop local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and create opportunities that support economic growth.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said participants would gain practical industry exposure and earn globally recognised certifications upon successful completion of the programme.
He described the initiative as more than a training programme, saying it marks the beginning of a transformative journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.
According to him, specialised expertise in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remains critical to the safe, efficient and profitable exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for a new wave of investments.
“Instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering are foundational to the survival, profitability and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This training is designed to close existing skills gaps and prepare participants for industry demands,” he said.
Ogbe urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a platform that could shape them into innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders in the energy industry.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous capabilities through strategic investments in human capital.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme would expose participants to both the technical and practical aspects of industry operations, enabling them to acquire competencies increasingly sought after by employers.
He explained that the curriculum combines classroom learning with extensive on-the-job training, providing hands-on experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
According to him, the practical component is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace requirements.
He stressed that success in the industry requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong commitment to safety.
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The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Mr. Ranti Omole, said the beneficiaries emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
Omole said the programme is aimed at producing industry-ready professionals rather than merely awarding certificates, noting that participants are expected to contribute effectively in operational environments upon completion of the training.
“We are building competence and skills. By the time you complete this programme, you should be field-ready and able to fit seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He encouraged the trainees to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning and collaborate with colleagues from different parts of the country throughout the programme.
Stakeholders at the event said the initiative supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the pipeline of skilled Nigerian professionals needed to sustain growth, deepen local content and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s energy 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.
