NCDMB and Renaissance Launch Training for 300 Young Nigerians in Oil and Gas

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has started a special training program. This program aims to equip 300 young Nigerians with skills in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.

This training is part of the NCDMB, Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme. It is designed to give Nigerian graduates the technical and professional skills they need for successful careers in the oil and gas sector. The program will last for 12 months. It includes three months of classroom learning and nine months of on-the-job training with partner companies in the oil and gas industry. Out of 300 trainees, 240 will be in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt.

At the launch event, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, said this initiative supports the Board’s goal of building local capacity. He said it aims to deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector and create opportunities that boost economic growth.

He added that the trainees will gain practical experience, leading to globally recognized certifications. "This is more than the start of a training program. It is the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians who will gain world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical disciplines," he stressed.

Mr Tari Bufazi, the Assistant Manager of Human Capacity Development, spoke on behalf of the NCDMB boss. He said specialized skills in automation, instrumentation, and engineering are key for safely and efficiently using Nigeria’s petroleum resources, especially as the industry looks forward to new investment projects.

"Instrumentation, electrical, and mechanical engineering are essential for the survival, profitability, and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This training is aimed at closing existing gaps and preparing participants for industry needs," he explained.

He encouraged the trainees to make the most of this chance, calling it a platform that could turn them into innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders in the industry.

Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, General Manager at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, stated that the company is dedicated to building local capabilities. He said they support Nigeria’s energy sector growth through smart investments in human capital.

Funso Alabi, who represented him, said the program blends classroom lessons with extensive on-the-job training. This gives participants hands-on experience in mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking, and cybersecurity.

Mr Alabi highlighted that the training would show participants both the technical and practical sides of industry work. This helps them gain the skills that employers are looking for today. "At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen local expertise, and empower Nigerians to take charge," he said.

He explained that the practical part of the program will help connect what they learn in theory to what is needed at work. "Success requires not just technical skills but also professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and a strong safety culture," he told the trainees.

Ranti Omole, the CEO of Radial Circle, which is the main training provider, said the program is a unique chance for young Nigerians who want to work in the global energy field. He mentioned that the participants were chosen from a highly competitive selection process that included thousands of applicants from the NCDMB database.

Mr Omole said the program aims to do more than just provide certification. He stressed that the goal is to create industry-ready professionals who can contribute right away in real work settings. "We are building competence and skills. By the time you finish this program, you should be ready to work in the field and fit well into industry operations," he said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of this opportunity through discipline, ongoing learning, and teamwork with colleagues from different regions of the country.

Stakeholders at the event said this initiative helps meet the goals of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap. It strengthens the local talent needed to support growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.