The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a specialised 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme for 300 young Nigerian graduates as part of efforts to deepen local capacity and strengthen indigenous participation in the nation’s energy sector.
The initiative, which focuses on mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering, is designed to equip participants with industry-relevant technical and professional skills required for successful careers in the oil and gas industry.
The programme comprises three months of intensive classroom instruction followed by nine months of structured on-the-job training with partner service companies. Of the 300 beneficiaries selected through a competitive process, 240 will undergo training in Lagos, while 60 are based in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the programme’s inauguration, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and a demonstration of the Board’s commitment to building local capacity in line with its statutory mandate.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said the training would expose participants to practical industry operations and prepare them for globally recognised professional certifications.
“This is more than the commencement of a training programme. It marks the beginning of a journey that will equip young Nigerians with world-class competencies in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation disciplines,” he said.
According to him, specialised expertise in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations has become increasingly critical as Nigeria positions itself to maximise emerging investments in the petroleum industry.
“Instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering remain fundamental to the safety, efficiency and profitability of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This programme is deliberately structured to bridge existing skills gaps and prepare participants for the evolving demands of the sector,” he added.
Ogbe urged the trainees to approach the programme with dedication, noting that it offers a unique opportunity to become innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders in the industry.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous expertise through sustained investment in human capital.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme combines theoretical instruction with practical workplace experience, exposing participants to critical areas including mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
He noted that the practical training component was specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development should go beyond policy to create genuine capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead the future of the energy industry,” he said.
He also stressed that success in the industry requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong commitment to safety.
Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Ranti Omole, described the initiative as a significant opportunity for young Nigerians aspiring to build careers in the global energy sector.
He disclosed that the 300 participants emerged from a rigorous selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
Omole explained that the programme’s objective extends beyond awarding certificates, saying its ultimate goal is to produce competent, industry-ready professionals capable of making immediate contributions in operational environments.
“We are building competence, not just issuing certificates. By the end of this programme, every participant should be field-ready and able to integrate seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He encouraged the trainees to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning and collaborate effectively with colleagues throughout the programme.
Stakeholders noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the pool of skilled Nigerian professionals required to sustain growth and competitiveness in the country’s oil and gas industry.
