The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has begun a specialised human capital development programme.
It's aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.
The initiative, known as the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to provide young Nigerian graduates with the technical and professional grounding required for careers in the oil and gas sector.
It will run for 12 months, comprising three months of classroom-based learning followed by nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies in the industry.
In total, 300 trainees were selected, with 240 participants based in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, 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 sector, and create opportunities that support economic growth.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said the trainees would gain practical industry exposure leading to globally recognised certifications.
"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 added that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remain essential 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 said.
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Ogbe urged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, which he described as a platform that could shape them into innovators, problem-solvers and future industry leaders.
General Manager, NCD, at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, said the company remained committed to developing indigenous capabilities and supporting the growth of Nigeria's energy sector through strategic investment in human capital.
Represented by Engr Funso Alabi, Olawuyi explained that the programme blends classroom instruction with extensive on-the-job training, exposing participants to 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 added that the practical component would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace requirements.
"Success requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture," Olawuyi told the trainees.
Also speaking, Ranti Omole, chief executive officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, described the programme as a rare opportunity for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global energy industry.
Omole disclosed that participants had emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
He said the programme's objective went beyond certification, stressing that the focus was on developing industry-ready professionals capable of contributing immediately in operational environments.
"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.
Omole encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity through discipline, continuous learning and collaboration with colleagues from different parts of the country.
Stakeholders at the event said 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 needed to sustain growth in the country's energy industry.
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