NCDMB, Heritage Energy train 48 Nigerians in subsea engineering

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has launched a Human Capacity Development programme to train 48 Nigerians in subsea engineering.

The kick-off ceremony took place on Friday, 16 October, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of the Board’s efforts to address critical skills gaps and strengthen indigenous technical expertise in the oil and gas industry.

The programme combines six months of classroom instruction with six months of structured on-the-job training, giving participants specialised knowledge and practical experience in subsea engineering. The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD).

In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Ms Emelle Alexis, said the programme would equip the trainees with the technical expertise required for complex subsea operations and the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.

“Today marks the beginning of a transformational journey for 48 young Nigerians in a highly specialised field that demands precision, discipline and accountability. Through intensive classroom instruction and structured on-the-job training, the participants will gain hands-on experience in subsea engineering,” he said.

Ogbe stressed that subsea operations require technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety.

“The competencies you acquire through this programme are critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities. Beyond technical proficiency, the training is designed to develop your problem-solving skills, teamwork, professionalism and commitment to safety,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary urged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity and demonstrate the discipline and commitment required to succeed in the industry. He expressed confidence that they would emerge with the skills and professional standards needed to contribute to the sector.

In his remarks, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to indigenous skills development. He noted that a skilled Nigerian workforce is essential to delivering current and future energy infrastructure projects and sustaining industry growth.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the programme as a strategic investment by Heritage Energy, NCDMB and Global Oceon in developing indigenous subsea engineering expertise. He noted that skilled local professionals are vital to the safe and reliable operation of offshore and deepwater infrastructure.

The trainees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire specialised subsea engineering skills, identifying safety training and AutoCAD as important areas of learning. The programme is part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development initiatives, designed to address critical skills gaps in the oil and gas industry. It supports the Board’s efforts to develop specialised Nigerian expertise for offshore and deepwater operations, facilitate technology transfer and increase local participation in high-value industry activities.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, as well as the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.