The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a specialised human capital development programme to equip 300 young Nigerians with industry-relevant technical and professional skills required for successful careers in the oil and gas sector.
The initiative, known as the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to strengthen local capacity in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering while preparing participants for employment opportunities in the nation’s energy industry.
The 12-month programme comprises three months of intensive classroom-based learning followed by nine months of structured on-the-job training (OJT) with partner service companies operating in the oil and gas sector.
Of the 300 successful participants, 240 will undergo training in Lagos, while the remaining 60 will be trained in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the programme’s kick-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to developing indigenous capacity, increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and creating employment opportunities that contribute to national economic growth.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said the programme would provide participants with practical industry exposure and globally recognised certifications that would position them competitively in the labour market.
“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.
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He noted that specialised competencies in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations have become increasingly critical to the safe, efficient and profitable exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for fresh investments and expansion.
According to him, instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering remain the backbone of oil and gas operations, making the development of competent professionals in these areas essential to the industry’s long-term sustainability.
“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,” he added.
Ogbe urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, encouraging them to embrace innovation, professionalism and continuous learning as they prepare to become future leaders within the 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 sustained investments in human capital development.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the training programme would expose participants to both theoretical and practical aspects of oil and gas operations, equipping them with competencies that are increasingly sought after by employers.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
He explained that participants would receive hands-on training in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity, in addition to classroom instruction.
According to him, the extensive on-the-job training component is intended to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace realities, ensuring that participants graduate with practical experience and industry confidence.
He further stressed that technical expertise alone would not guarantee success, urging the trainees to uphold professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture throughout the programme and their future careers.
Also addressing the participants, the Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Mr. Ranti Omole, described the initiative as a unique opportunity for young Nigerians aspiring to build careers in the global energy industry.
Omole disclosed that the beneficiaries emerged from a rigorous selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database, underscoring the competitiveness of the programme.
He said the objective extends beyond awarding certificates, noting that the focus is on producing competent professionals capable of making immediate contributions in operational environments.
“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 advised participants to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning and leverage collaboration with colleagues from different parts of the country throughout the training period.
