By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a specialised human capital development programme to equip 300 young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.
The initiative, tagged the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to prepare young Nigerian graduates for successful careers in the oil and gas industry through technical and professional training.
The 12-month programme comprises three months of classroom instruction followed by nine months of on-the-job training (OJT) with partner service companies in the oil and gas sector. Of the 300 beneficiaries, 240 will undergo training in Lagos, while 60 will be based in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the programme’s inauguration, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the initiative aligns with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry, and create opportunities that support economic growth.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said participants would receive practical industry exposure and earn globally recognised certifications upon successful completion of the programme.
“This is more than the commencement of a training programme. It is the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation and electrical disciplines,” he said.
He noted that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remain critical to the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for new investment projects.
“Instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering are foundational to the survival, profitability and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This training is designed to close existing gaps and prepare participants for industry demands,” he added.
Ogbe urged the trainees to maximise the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform to develop innovators, problem-solvers and future industry leaders.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development (NCD) at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous capabilities through strategic investments in human capital.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme would provide participants with both technical knowledge and practical experience in key areas, including mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
He explained that the combination of classroom learning and extensive on-the-job training would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.
“Success requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture,” he advised the participants.
The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Ranti Omole, described the initiative as a unique opportunity for young Nigerians aspiring to build careers in the global energy industry.
According to him, the 300 participants were selected through a rigorous process from thousands of applicants in the NCDMB database.
Omole stressed that the programme is designed not only to award certificates but also to produce professionals who are fully prepared for immediate deployment in the oil and gas industry.
“We are building competence and skills. By the time you complete this programme, you should be field-ready and able to fit seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He encouraged the trainees to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning and collaborate effectively throughout the programme.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the initiative supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the local talent pipeline required to sustain growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
