NCDMB and Renaissance Train 60 Young Nigerians in Oil and Gas Skills

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), together with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has kicked off a 12-month training programme at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited in Osogbo, Osun State. This initiative will help 60 young Nigerians gain special skills in oil and gas engineering and other important technical areas, creating a new group of professionals ready for the industry.

This training is part of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC HCD) Training Programme for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s EPU Phase 2 Gas Development Project. The programme aims to give participants advanced technical skills. The curriculum includes engineering design, fitter machining, operations of conventional machines, programming, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), electrical and mechanical maintenance, and document control.

Over the 12 months, the programme will mix six months of intense classroom learning with six months of supervised work experience in respected companies. Graduates are set to receive internationally recognised certificates when they finish.

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

Speaking through Mr Tare Bufazi, Assistant Manager for Human Capacity Development, Bamidele called this initiative a key move to deal with manpower shortages and prepare Nigerians for real roles in the oil and gas value chain.

“The importance of this programme cannot be overstated,” he said, adding that the 60 trainees, which include 33 graduates and 27 vocational trainees, would receive specialised training that meets industry requirements. He pointed out that NCDMB’s mission goes beyond just promoting local involvement to building the technical skills needed to support the sector.

Bamidele stressed that developing human capacity is key to strengthening local content, creating job opportunities, and pushing the Federal Government’s industrialisation plan. He encouraged participants to take the programme seriously and with commitment, pointing out that it offers more than just certificates, it builds practical skills and gives professional experience for long-lasting careers. He also thanked Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Seflam SGL, and Nigeria Machine Tools for their teamwork that made this initiative happen.

Mr Richard Oyiborhor, Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project, spoke on behalf of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. He highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing Nigerian talent and building local skills. He praised NCDMB’s leadership in promoting Nigerian content and described the partnership with Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools as an important step in developing the country’s workforce.

Mrs Bisola Agboluaje, Senior Manager of Business Interface at Seflam SGL, congratulated the trainees and traced the programme’s start to 2024 when NCDMB approved the training plans. She called the initiative a smart investment in Nigeria’s technical talent.

The Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Machine Tools, Ms Obehi Ojeagha, welcomed the trainees and praised the collaboration. She highlighted the institution’s 46-year history in supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth and expressed confidence that the trainees would gain the skills, discipline, and experience needed to make a real impact in the oil and gas sector.