NCDMB and Heritage Energy Train 48 Nigerians in Subsea Engineering

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), together with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has kicked off a program to train 48 Nigerians in subsea engineering.

The launch ceremony happened on Friday, 16 October, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This is part of the Board’s plan to fill important skills gaps and boost local technical know-how in the oil and gas sector.

The training includes six months of classroom learning and six months of hands-on training. This will give participants specific knowledge and real-life experience in subsea engineering. The lessons will cover risers and hydrodynamics, offshore structures design, pipeline engineering, and computer-aided design using AutoCAD.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was represented by Ms Emelle Alexis, the General Manager for Human Capacity Development. He said the program aims to give trainees the skills needed for complex subsea tasks and to ensure safe and efficient operations in 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 highlighted that subsea work needs technical skill, professionalism, and a strong focus on safety.

“The skills you gain from this program are key to the safe and efficient operation of modern oil and gas facilities. Besides technical skills, this training will help you with problem-solving, teamwork, professionalism, and a dedication to safety,” he added.

He encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of this chance and show the discipline needed to thrive in the industry. He believes they will leave with the skills and professionalism necessary to make contributions to the field.

Felix Osiwo, the Manager for Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, also spoke. He reinforced the company’s pledge to building local skills. He pointed out that a skilled Nigerian workforce is crucial for delivering energy projects now and in the future.

Earlier, George Ebuh, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, represented by Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, talked about the program as a smart investment by Heritage Energy, NCDMB, and Global Oceon to grow local subsea engineering skills. He mentioned that skilled local professionals are essential for safely running offshore and deepwater projects.

The trainees thanked the organizers for the chance to learn specialized subsea engineering skills. They highlighted safety training and AutoCAD as crucial areas of their studies. This program is part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development initiatives. It aims to fill skill gaps in the oil and gas sector and to develop local expertise for offshore and deepwater work, encourage technology transfer, and boost local involvement in important industry tasks.

The ceremony had representatives from NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, along with the trainees and other industry stakeholders.