NCDMB, Renaissance Launch Oil, Gas Field Readiness Training for 300 Nigerians
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a specialised human capital development programme aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.
The programme, tagged the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to equip young Nigerian graduates with the technical and professional competencies required for successful careers in the oil and gas industry.
The 12-month programme comprises three months of classroom-based learning followed by nine months of on-the-job training (OJT) with partner service companies in the oil and gas sector. A total of 300 trainees were selected, with 240 participants undergoing training in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the programme’s 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 industry, and create opportunities that support economic growth.
He said the trainees would gain practical industry exposure culminating in 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.
Represented by the Board’s Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe noted that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remain critical to the safe and efficient development 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 bridge existing skills gaps and prepare participants for the evolving demands of the industry,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, describing it as a platform that could transform them into innovators, problem-solvers and future industry leaders.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development (NCD), Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous capabilities and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector through strategic investments in human capital.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the programme would expose participants to both the technical and practical aspects of industry operations, enabling them to acquire the competencies increasingly demanded by employers.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must go beyond policy to create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
He explained that the programme combines classroom instruction with extensive on-the-job training, providing participants with practical experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
According to him, the practical component is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace requirements.
“Success requires not only technical competence but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture,” he told the trainees.
Speaking on behalf of the lead training provider, the Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, Mr. Ranti Omole, described the programme as a rare opportunity for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global energy industry.
He disclosed that the participants emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
Omole said the objective of the programme extends beyond certification, stressing that its primary focus is to develop industry-ready professionals capable of making immediate contributions in operational environments.
“We are building competence and practical skills. By the time you complete this programme, you should be field-ready and able to integrate seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He encouraged participants to maximise 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 Nigeria’s energy industry.
This version removes repetition, corrects attribution (avoiding switching between “Alabi said” and “Olawuyi said”), improves sentence flow, and adopts the polished style commonly used by Vanguard and other leading Nigerian business newspapers.
