The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has teamed up with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited to train Nigerians for jobs in the oil and gas industry. This new Human Capacity Development (HCD) program aims to produce a new generation of pilots for the aviation side of the oil and gas sector.
The training started in Lagos on Wednesday. It will train 10 Nigerians in aviation skills, giving them a chance to work in a key area that supports offshore oil and gas operations.
Helicopter piloting is one of the main skills targeted by the NCDMB Field Readiness Training. This training comes as big investments and new projects in Nigeria's oil and gas sector are on the rise. The Field Readiness Training program plans to train over 10,000 young graduates and technicians in the top 10 skills in demand. This will help them participate in oil and gas projects launched by various local and international companies.
At the launch event, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, spoke through Abayomi Bamidele, the Director of Capacity Building. He said this program is not just about starting training but is also a great chance for young Nigerians to build careers in a specialized field.
The 18-month training will include classroom lessons, ground training, and real flight operations. Participants will work towards earning their Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences. Ogbe emphasized that this initiative shows the Board's commitment to developing local skills and increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, which will help boost national growth.
Bamidele mentioned that this program is a solid investment in Nigerian talent and aims to strengthen local skills in aviation and energy. He said the success of the trainees will be measured not just by the licenses they earn but also by their professionalism and discipline in their careers.
Alexis Emelle, the General Manager for Human Capacity Development, encouraged the trainees to take their training seriously. She reminded them that a lot of resources have been put into their development and urged them to remember their roots as they grow in their careers.
Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, the General Manager for Nigerian Content Development at Chevron, spoke on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. He called this program a crucial step for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Aimienwanu pointed out that this is the first training program of its kind, aimed at solving the shortage of local pilots. He added that Chevron's commitment goes beyond building facilities; it includes developing people. The program is set to meet international standards and prepare Nigerians for the global aviation market.
Oladapo Oyeleke, the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, described the program as a significant step in the company's long history of aviation training.
He revealed that Bristow has trained aviation professionals for over 60 years and has produced more than 500 pilots. He expressed excitement about welcoming 10 new trainees and sees this as the first of many similar training programs to come.
Oyeleke, an experienced aviation captain, noted that helicopter operations in the energy sector are challenging and require high levels of skill and discipline. He advised trainees to not take the challenges lightly and to stay focused and dedicated throughout the training.
Miss Itorobong Inyang, one of the selected trainees, shared her excitement about being chosen. She sees this as a chance to break barriers for women in aviation.
Inyang said she had always thought the industry was male-dominated but was inspired to apply and succeeded through a merit-based selection. She encouraged more women to seize opportunities in the oil and gas industry and pursue careers in specialized areas.
The trainees will receive their initial pilot training at Henley Air in South Africa. They will earn qualifications in Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Night Rating, and Instrument Rating before moving on to type-rating training for specific aircraft.
The selection process was thorough and based on merit, aligning with the goals of the initiative.
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