By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited (BHNL), has launched a major Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme aimed at training a new generation of Nigerian pilots for the aviation segment of the oil and gas industry.
The programme, unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, will provide 10 Nigerians with world-class aviation training, preparing them for careers in one of the most specialised and critical sectors supporting offshore oil and gas operations.
The initiative forms part of the NCDMB Field Readiness Training Programme, a special human capital development scheme designed to equip over 10,000 young graduates and technicians with skills in 10 high-demand areas of the oil and gas industry. The programme was developed in response to the resurgence of major investments and new projects across Nigeria’s energy sector.
Helicopter piloting was identified as one of the priority skills under the initiative due to the growing demand for aviation support services in offshore operations.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the programme as more than a training exercise.
According to him, it provides a rare opportunity for young Nigerians to build careers in a highly specialised profession while strengthening indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry.
Bamidele explained that the 18-month programme would combine intensive classroom instruction, ground training and practical flight operations, leading to the acquisition of both Private Pilot Licences (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL).
He noted that the initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to developing local capacity, creating employment opportunities and driving national growth through strategic investments in human capital.
“The success of this programme will not only be measured by the licences earned by the trainees but also by the professionalism, discipline and excellence they demonstrate throughout their careers,” he said.
Also speaking, NCDMB’s General Manager for Human Capacity Development, Ms. Alexis Emelle, urged the trainees to remain focused and committed throughout the programme, reminding them that significant resources had been invested in their development.
Representing Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Oduselu Olusoga, the company’s General Manager for Nigerian Content Development, Mr. Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, described the initiative as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He said the programme was particularly significant because it was designed to address the shortage of indigenous pilots within the sector.
According to Aimienwanu, Chevron’s commitment goes beyond infrastructure development to investing in people and preparing Nigerians for opportunities in the global aviation industry.
He commended NCDMB for its leadership and dedication to advancing human capacity development, noting that the investment would create long-term value for both the aviation and energy sectors.
The Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Capt. Oladapo Oyeleke, described the programme as another milestone in the company’s longstanding tradition of aviation training and excellence.
He revealed that Bristow has trained aviation professionals for more than six decades and produced over 500 pilots across different jurisdictions.
Oyeleke encouraged the trainees to remain disciplined and determined, stressing that helicopter operations in the energy sector are highly demanding and require exceptional competence.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Itorobong Inyang, described her selection as a proud achievement and an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about women in aviation.
She noted that while the industry is often perceived as male-dominated, she successfully emerged through a merit-based selection process and encouraged more women to pursue opportunities in specialised fields within the oil and gas industry.
Under the programme, the trainees will undergo ab-initio pilot training at Henley Air in South Africa, where they will earn qualifications including Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Night Rating and Instrument Rating certifications before proceeding to aircraft type-rating training.
The organisers said the selection of participants followed a rigorous and merit-based process in line with the objectives of the initiative.
