By: Peace Udugba.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has restated its strong commitment to building local capacity and nurturing homegrown talent through strategic partnerships with the private sector. This reaffirmation came during the close-out ceremony of a landmark Human Capital Development (HCD) programme executed in collaboration with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited.
The ceremony, held on July 30, 2025, at Geoscape’s facility in Lagos, marked the formal graduation of 11 outstanding trainees, who underwent a rigorous 12-month programme covering classroom instruction and practical exposure, including international training sessions in the United Kingdom.
The one-year training, tagged ‘Chevron Nigeria Limited Purchase of Unit 20 Autothermal Reformer Cooled Tip Swirler Burner Assembly (Tag: 120-xx102-05)’, selected 11 outstanding candidates from a shortlist of 33 on the NOGIC JQS portal. It featured both classroom instruction and hands-on technical experience aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become industry leaders.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s General Manager, Human Capacity development, Barr. Esueme Dan-Kikile, described the initiative as a powerful expression of the Board’s project-based HCD framework and a key delivery under its Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.
Today marks not just the end of a programme, but the celebration of a vision realised – a testament to the transformative power of the NCDMB HCD initiative,” Ogbe said. “This programme is nation-building in action. All of you are prepared as catalysts of change – leaders who will provide local solutions and set new benchmarks for excellence in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.”
Ogbe lauded the contributions of Chevron and Geoscape in the programme’s success, saying, “Together with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited, NCDMB has demonstrated the powerful impact of public-private synergy.
My sincere appreciation goes to Chevron for its unwavering commitment to building local talent, and to Geoscape for setting a high standard of professionalism and dedication during this training. Urging the graduand to make the most of the investment in their future, he added, “Your discipline, resilience and determination have brought you thus far.
This opportunity is a significant investment in your future. Remember: if you do not use it, you will lose it. I urge you to go out and excel in all your endeavours.
Armed with new knowledge and skills, you now carry the torch of excellence. Apply your expertise with purpose, diligence, and integrity. Stand tall as ambassadors of the NCDMB, and continue to grow, adapt, and lead,” Ogbe charged the graduands.
He encouraged them to use the programme as a springboard for lifelong achievement. “Be relentless in learning, resilient in the face of challenges, and an inspiration to others. I believe in you. Nigeria believes in you. I challenge you to step forward and make a meaningful impact.
Chevron’s HCD Adviser, Mr. Victor Inyere, who represented the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content, Ventures and Regulatory Affairs, Ms. Edwina Kentebe-Oluwakayode, described the initiative not as a regulatory obligation but a social investment in line with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.
This close-out ceremony marks our powerful relationship with stakeholders such as NCDMB – our regulators, but also our big brothers. Chevron believes in people. The foundation of every community is the people. Investing in people is the only way to sustain development, and we are fully committed to NCDMB’s vision to develop young Nigerians and lift them off the streets,” Kentebe-Oluwakayode pledged.
The Chief Executive Officer of Geoscape Nigeria Limited, Modupe Jegede, in a formal welcome address, applauded both NCDMB and Chevron for their enduring support over the years. She noted that without NCDMB’s enabling framework, companies like Geoscape would not thrive.
She said, “We always say that without NCDMB, Geoscape would not be here today. The Nigerian Content Act gave us the platform to grow our capacity and compete. While you are our regulators, we see you as partners. We are proud of your support and have maintained international standards, even achieving ISO certification.
Jegede also announced Geoscape’s upcoming launch of a fully equipped training school, reinforcing the company’s dedication to long-term capacity building. She noted that the state-of-the-art facility is near completion and invited stakeholders to its commissioning. She added that Geoscape is committed to building a company that will outlive its founders, prioritising sustainable impact over short-term profit.
She said, “We’re currently installing the equipment and ensuring that this becomes a facility you’ll be proud of. We believe in doing things the right way — quality and excellence remain our guiding principles.
We’re not just focused on profit; our goal is to build something truly sustainable. As we grow, we’ll continue to provide opportunities for past trainees, both on contract and full-time.
The impact of the programme was evident in the testimonies of the trainees. Elizabeth Oyeyemi, the only female participant in the cohort, expressed deep appreciation for the encouragement and exposure she received, especially during the international segment of the training. She said the programme gave her the confidence to pursue a technical career without limits.
This programme showed me that there are no boundaries for women in technical fields. NCDMB, Chevron, and Geoscape didn’t just organise training — they genuinely cared for us. Their support and exposure made this journey both memorable and empowering,” she said.
Another trainee, Ayandipo Feyintoluwa, described the programme as “innovative and eye-opening,” highlighting modules like online leak sealing and composite repair.
We’re truly grateful to NCDMB, Chevron, and Geoscape. This training shouldn’t stop here — it’s something we’d love to continue and build on,” he noted.
All stakeholders echoed a unified belief: that investing in human capital is key to making Nigeria’s oil and gas sector more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready.
