NCDMB, Renaissance train 60 Nigerians in critical oil and gas technical skills

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12-month training programme at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State. The initiative will equip 60 young Nigerians with specialised expertise in oil and gas engineering as well as other critical technical skills, fostering a new generation of industry-ready professionals.

The programme is on the back of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC HCD) Training Programme for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s EPU Phase 2 Gas Development Project. It is designed to equip participants with advanced technical expertise. The curriculum spans engineering design, fitter machining, conventional machine tool operations, programming, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), electrical and mechanical maintenance, and document control.

Structured over 12 months, the programme combines six months of intensive classroom instruction with six months of supervised on-the-job training in reputable companies. Graduates are expected to earn internationally recognised certifications upon completion.

At the official launch held at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Abayomi Bamidele, an engineer, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to bridging critical technical skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Represented by Mr Tare Bufazi, Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Bamidele described the initiative as a strategic intervention to address manpower shortages and prepare Nigerians for meaningful participation across the oil and gas value chain.

“The importance of this programme cannot be overstated,” he noted, revealing that the 60 trainees—comprising 33 graduates and 27 vocational trainees—would undergo specialised training tailored to industry needs. He emphasised that NCDMB’s mission extends beyond promoting local participation to building the technical capabilities required to sustain the sector.

Human capacity development, he stressed, is central to strengthening local content, creating opportunities, and advancing the Federal Government’s industrialization agenda. Bamidele urged participants to approach the programme with discipline and commitment, highlighting that it offers more than certificates—it builds practical competence and professional experience for long-term careers. He also acknowledged the contributions of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Seflam SGL, and Nigeria Machine Tools, whose collaboration made the initiative possible.

Speaking on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Richard Oyiborhor, Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project, reiterated the company’s dedication to nurturing Nigerian talent and strengthening local capabilities. He commended NCDMB’s leadership in advancing Nigerian content and praised the partnership with Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools as a vital step in developing the nation’s industrial workforce.

Mrs Bisola Agboluaje, Senior Manager, Business Interface at Seflam SGL, congratulated the trainees and traced the programme’s origins to 2024, when NCDMB approved the training plans. She described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s technical talent pool.

Nigeria Machine Tools’ Chief Operating Officer, Ms Obehi Ojeagha, welcomed the participants and lauded the collaboration. She emphasised the institution’s 46-year legacy in supporting Nigeria’s industrial development and expressed confidence that the trainees would acquire the skills, discipline, and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector.