By Brenda Izu
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has begun training 300 young Nigerians to prepare them for careers in the oil and gas industry.
The programme, known as the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is aimed at equipping graduates with practical skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering to improve their chances of securing employment in the sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to developing Nigerian talent and creating opportunities for young people in the country’s energy industry.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe said the programme would give participants the technical knowledge and practical experience required by employers.
“This is more than just another training programme. It is an opportunity for young Nigerians to acquire skills that will prepare them for successful careers in the oil and gas industry,” he said.
He explained that participants would also earn internationally recognised certifications at the end of the programme, making them more competitive in the job market.
According to him, industries are increasingly looking for professionals with practical knowledge in instrumentation, electrical systems and mechanical engineering, especially as new investments come into the sector.
The programme will run for 12 months. Participants will spend the first three months in classroom training before proceeding on nine months of supervised industrial attachment with oil and gas service companies.
Of the 300 beneficiaries, 240 are undergoing training in Lagos, while 60 are based in Port Harcourt.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, said the company remains committed to developing Nigerian professionals who can compete anywhere in the world.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, he said the training combines classroom learning with hands-on industry experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
“We want participants to leave this programme with the skills employers are looking for. Beyond technical knowledge, they must also demonstrate professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the training provider, Ranti Omole, said the participants were selected after a rigorous screening process involving thousands of applicants from the NCDMB database.
He said the goal is not simply to award certificates but to produce graduates who can immediately contribute in the workplace.
“We are focused on building competence. By the end of this programme, participants should be ready to step into the field and perform confidently,” Omole said.
He encouraged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity by remaining committed, learning from one another and taking the practical sessions seriously.
Industry stakeholders said the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s pool of skilled manpower and support the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which seeks to increase indigenous participation in the country’s oil and gas sector.
