PTDF unveils strategy to support Nigeria’s $1trn GDP target

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By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has unveiled a human capital development strategy aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s target of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030 through investment in specialised education, technical skills and energy research.

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The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shua’ibu Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday in Kaduna, saying the Fund was aligning its programmes with the 2026–2030 National Development Plan to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving growth across Nigeria’s oil, gas and emerging energy sectors.

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Aliyu said the strategy focuses on building local capacity, reducing capital flight, strengthening research institutions and providing the manpower required for major energy infrastructure projects.

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“Our long-term vision is to develop a workforce that is trained in Nigeria, employed in Nigeria, and, by choice, exported to serve the broader African energy industry,” he said.

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He explained that the initiative would be implemented through two flagship institutions — the Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt and the newly renamed General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Science and Engineering Technology in Kaduna.

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According to him, the Port Harcourt centre would provide internationally recognised vocational and technical training for technicians, artisans and craftsmen in the upstream, midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, with certifications in areas such as welding, fabrication, instrumentation and offshore safety.

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He added that the Kaduna-based university, recently licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a postgraduate institution, would provide advanced education and research opportunities through partnerships with leading universities in the United Kingdom.

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Aliyu described the institution as “a strategic catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth” through the development of local technical expertise and conservation of foreign exchange.

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To reduce dependence on overseas education, the PTDF boss said the Fund had expanded its split-site doctoral programme, allowing scholars to complete part of their studies in Nigeria and the remainder at partner universities abroad.

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“This initiative reduces capital flight while strengthening local institutions and maintaining international academic standards,” he said.

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He disclosed that PTDF was also digitising the university to improve administrative efficiency and support blended learning.

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The Executive Secretary said the Fund had aligned its training programmes with major national energy projects, including the AKK Gas Pipeline, UTM Floating LNG, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, Bonga Southwest Aparo, Owowo, Zabazaba-Etan, OB3 Gas Trunk Line, Olokola LNG, Dangote projects and other investments by indigenous operators.

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He said the move was aimed at ensuring Nigeria develops the skilled workforce needed to execute future investments across the energy value chain.

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Aliyu added that PTDF was strengthening international partnerships with organisations such as the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Sonatrach of Algeria, Saudi Aramco and Turkish Petroleum to promote knowledge transfer, research and innovation.

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To reposition its academic institutions, he said PTDF had inaugurated a nine-member committee to review the university system, assess governance, infrastructure, research capacity, digital systems and academic programmes, and recommend reforms that would transform the institution into a globally competitive centre of excellence in petroleum, energy and strategic technology.

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The PTDF chief attributed the Fund’s achievements to the support of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the recent renaming of the university, which he said demonstrated the administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s energy workforce.

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Chairman of the review committee, Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, assured that the panel would carry out its assignment diligently and provide recommendations capable of transforming the institution.

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