By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has commenced a human capacity development programme aimed at equipping 48 Nigerians with specialised subsea engineering skills.
The programme was officially launched on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of efforts to bridge critical skills gaps and strengthen indigenous technical capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The training comprises six months of classroom instruction and six months of structured on-the-job training, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in subsea engineering.
The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD).
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager of Human Capacity Development, Ms. Emelle Alexis, said the programme would equip participants with the technical expertise required for complex subsea operations.
He described the initiative as an important step towards developing a skilled Nigerian workforce capable of supporting the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.
“Today marks the beginning of a transformational journey for 48 young Nigerians in a highly specialised field that demands precision, discipline and accountability,” he said.
Ogbe explained that the combination of classroom instruction and practical training would expose participants to the technical demands of subsea engineering while preparing them for professional responsibilities in the industry.
He emphasised that subsea operations require technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety.
According to him, the training would extend beyond technical proficiency to developing participants’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork, professionalism and environmental responsibility.
“The competencies you acquire through this programme are critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities,” he stated.
The NCDMB chief urged the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity, demonstrating the discipline, dedication and commitment necessary to succeed in the highly specialised sector.
He expressed confidence that the participants would emerge with the technical skills and professional standards required to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Heritage Energy Reaffirms Commitment to Local Expertise
In his remarks, the Manager of Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous technical expertise.
He noted that a skilled Nigerian workforce was essential to delivering current and future energy infrastructure projects, sustaining industry growth and strengthening local participation in the sector.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Engr. Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the programme as a strategic investment by the three partners in building indigenous subsea engineering capacity.
He stressed that skilled local professionals were critical to the safe and reliable operation of offshore and deepwater infrastructure.
The trainees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire specialised engineering skills, highlighting safety training and AutoCAD as important areas of learning.
Programme Targets Oil and Gas Skills Gaps
The initiative forms part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development programmes, which are designed to address critical skills shortages in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Through the initiative, the Board is seeking to develop specialised Nigerian expertise for offshore and deepwater operations, promote technology transfer and increase indigenous participation in high-value industry activities.
The programme is also expected to strengthen the availability of skilled local professionals in subsea engineering, a specialised field essential to the development, maintenance and operation of offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
Representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited attended the launch alongside the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.
Tags: NCDMB, Heritage Energy, Subsea Engineering, Nigerian Content Development, Oil and Gas Industry, Human Capacity Development, Global Oceon Engineers
