NCDMB, Renaissance Train 60 Nigerians in Oil and Gas Technical Skills
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA –Â The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a 12-month technical training programme for 60 Nigerians to strengthen local capacity in the oil and gas industry.
The programme, launched at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited in Osogbo, Osun State, is designed to equip participants with specialised engineering and technical skills needed to improve Nigerian participation across the oil and gas value chain.
The initiative is being implemented under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC HCD) Training Programme for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s EPU Phase 2 Gas Development Project.
The training curriculum covers engineering design, fitter machining, conventional machine tool operations, programming, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), electrical and mechanical maintenance, and document control.
The 12-month programme comprises six months of intensive classroom instruction and six months of supervised on-the-job training with reputable companies. Participants are expected to obtain internationally recognised certifications upon successful completion.
Speaking at the launch, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to addressing technical skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Bamidele, who was represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tare Bufazi, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to tackle manpower shortages and prepare Nigerians for meaningful participation in the sector.
He disclosed that the 60 beneficiaries comprise 33 graduates and 27 vocational trainees who would receive specialised training tailored to industry requirements.
According to him, the Board’s mandate extends beyond promoting local participation to developing the technical expertise needed to sustain the oil and gas industry.
He emphasised that human capacity development remains central to strengthening Nigerian content, creating employment opportunities and advancing the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.
Bamidele urged the trainees to demonstrate discipline, dedication and commitment throughout the programme, noting that the initiative offers more than academic qualifications by providing practical competence and professional experience for long-term career development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools Limited to the successful implementation of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the company’s Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project, Mr. Richard Oyiborhor, reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigerian talent and strengthening local technical capabilities.
Oyiborhor commended NCDMB for its leadership in advancing Nigerian content, describing the partnership with Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools as an important step towards building the country’s industrial workforce.
Similarly, Seflam SGL’s Senior Manager, Business Interface, Mrs. Bisola Agboluaje, congratulated the beneficiaries and disclosed that the programme originated in 2024, when NCDMB approved the training plans.
She described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s technical talent pool and an opportunity to prepare young people for emerging demands in the oil and gas industry.
In her remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Ms. Obehi Ojeagha, welcomed the participants and praised the collaboration among the organisations.
Ojeagha highlighted the institution’s 46-year history of supporting Nigeria’s industrial development and expressed confidence that the trainees would acquire the technical skills, professional discipline and practical experience required to contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector.
The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between government institutions, energy companies and technical training providers in developing skilled manpower, strengthening local content and expanding opportunities for Nigerians in the oil and gas industry.
