The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerians with technical and professional skills for careers in the petroleum industry.
The initiative is designed for graduates of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering and will combine three months of classroom learning with nine months of practical industry attachment at partner oil and gas service companies.
According to a statement issued by the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the NCDMB, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, 240 participants will undergo training in Lagos, while the remaining 60 will be trained in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, described the programme as part of the board’s efforts to strengthen local capacity, expand Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and create employment opportunities.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said the initiative would expose participants to practical industry experience and internationally recognised certifications.
“This is more than the commencement of a training programme. It is the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation and electrical disciplines,” he said.
He noted that expertise in instrumentation, automation and engineering operations remains essential for the safe and efficient development of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for new 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 gaps and prepare participants for industry demands,” Ogbe added.
He encouraged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity, stressing that the programme could shape them into innovators, problem-solvers and future industry leaders.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Olarenwaju Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous expertise through sustained investment in human capital.
Represented by Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said participants would receive training in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
Alabi added that the practical component of the programme was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations.
“Success requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the programme’s lead training provider, Ranti Omole, said the beneficiaries were selected from thousands of applicants in the NCDMB database after a rigorous screening process.
“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,” Omole said.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the initiative supports the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by expanding the pool of skilled professionals needed to drive growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
