NCDMB, Renaissance Launch Training for 300 Graduates to Boost Oil and Gas Employment

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a specialised training programme to equip 300 young Nigerian graduates with industry-ready skills for careers in the oil and gas sector.

The initiative, known as the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to bridge critical skills gaps and improve the employability of young Nigerians in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.

Speaking at the programme’s inauguration, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, 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 employment opportunities.

The 12-month programme comprises three months of classroom-based instruction, followed by nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies in the oil and gas industry.

A total of 300 trainees were selected through a competitive process, with 240 participants undergoing training in Lagos and the remaining 60 in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said participants would receive practical industry exposure and 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.

Ogbe noted that specialised expertise in automation, instrumentation, and engineering operations is essential to the safe and efficient development of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for new investments.

“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.

He urged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform to develop into innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders within the industry.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, said the company remains committed to strengthening indigenous expertise through strategic investments in human capital.

Represented by Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme combines classroom instruction with practical workplace experience to equip participants with skills that are increasingly sought after by employers.

According to him, trainees will gain hands-on experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking, and cybersecurity.

“The practical component will help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace requirements,” he said.

He added that technical competence alone would not guarantee career success, stressing the importance of professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and a strong safety culture.

The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, Ranti Omole, said the beneficiaries emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.

Omole said the programme is focused on producing 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.

He encouraged participants to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning, and collaborate with colleagues throughout the programme to maximise the opportunity.

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