By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to commence the issuance of the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) as part of efforts to strengthen local competencies and promote professional standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday during a sensitisation workshop held with members of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Infrastructure and Capacity Building Directorate, Barr. Sheba Olugbenga, said the certification framework was designed to ensure that only qualified and competent professionals are responsible for workforce development in the industry.
According to him, the quality of human capital available to the sector is closely tied to the competence of trainers, making the certification programme a critical component of sustainable Nigerian content development.
He noted that rapid technological advancements and evolving industry requirements have created the need for strategic, standardised and sustainable in-country capacity development.
“The constantly changing services and requirements in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, driven by technological advancements and smart innovations, have created the need for strategic and sustainable in-country capacity development and standardisation,” he said.
During an interactive session, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, warned prospective applicants against dealing with intermediaries who claim they can facilitate or fast-track the certification process.
He stressed that registration is free and advised trainers to apply through approved channels to avoid exploitation.
Bamidele also disclosed that the Board is working to integrate selected training tools and course templates into the curriculum of the Nigerian Content Academy (NCA), its knowledge-sharing and capacity development arm, to support service and operating companies in delivering specialised training programmes.
He commended OGTAN for its collaboration with the Board, particularly in preparing young graduates for employment opportunities and contributing to training needs assessments that helped shape the certification framework.
According to the Board, the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate will cover 11 areas of specialisation, spanning technical and soft-skill competencies relevant to the industry.
NCDMB said the certification programme is expected to enhance training quality, strengthen operational readiness and support the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of operators and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
