Nigerian Content Development Board, Renaissance Initiative Launch Year-Long Petroleum Industry Training Programme for 300 Citizens

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has launched a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, aiming to equip 300 young Nigerians with technical and professional skills for careers in the petroleum industry.

n

This programme is specifically designed for graduates in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering, and will comprise three months of classroom instruction followed by nine months of on-the-job training with partner oil and gas service companies.

n

A statement released on Saturday, signed by Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications, revealed that out of the 300 participants selected through a competitive process, 240 will undergo training in Lagos, while 60 will be trained in Port Harcourt.

n

According to Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, the initiative aligns with the Board's mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, and create employment opportunities, as he stated during the programme's inauguration.

n

Ogbe, represented by Tari Bufazi, Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, noted that the programme will provide participants with practical industry exposure and globally recognised certifications, marking the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians to acquire world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical disciplines.

n

The Executive Secretary emphasised that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation, and engineering operations are crucial to the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria's petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for fresh investments.

n

Ogbe highlighted that instrumentation, electrical, and mechanical engineering are foundational to the survival, profitability, and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and that this training is designed to close existing gaps and prepare participants for industry demands.

n

He urged the trainees to maximise the opportunity, which has the potential to transform them into innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders in the industry.

n

Olarenwaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to developing indigenous capacity through sustained investment in human capital, as represented by Funso Alabi.

n

The programme will combine classroom learning with practical field experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking, and cybersecurity, according to Olawuyi.

n

Olawuyi stated that at Renaissance, the company believes local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise, and empower Nigerians to lead.

n

Alabi added that the practical component of the programme will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace expectations, and told the trainees that success requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and a strong safety culture.

n

Ranti Omole, Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, explained that the participants were selected from thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database after a rigorous screening process.

n

Omole stated that the objective of the programme is to produce industry-ready professionals capable of making immediate contributions in operational environments, and that by the time the participants complete the programme, they should be field-ready and able to fit seamlessly into industry operations.

n

Stakeholders at the event said the initiative supports the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the pool of skilled Nigerian professionals required to drive growth in the country's energy sector.