NCDMB, renaissance begin field readiness training for 300 Nigerians

Three hundred young Nigerians have begun a rigorous 12-month journey to industry-ready careers in oil and gas, Confiance News has learned.
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‎By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited have flagged off a specialised training programme for 300 young Nigerian graduates, it was gathered by Confiance News.
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‎The initiative, tagged the NCDMB-Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to build technical and professional competence in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering, sources confirmed.
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‎Confiance News understands that the programme runs for 12 months, split between three months of classroom instruction and nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies across the industry. Of the 300 trainees selected, 240 are based in Lagos while 60 are undergoing training in Port Harcourt.
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‎NCDMB Cites Local Capacity Building
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‎Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, said the programme reflects the Board’s mandate to deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector.
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‎According to him, the initiative goes beyond the commencement of a training scheme, describing it as the start of a journey for young Nigerians set to acquire globally recognised certifications in mechanical, instrumentation and electrical disciplines.
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‎Ogbe noted that specialised skills in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations remain critical to the safe and efficient exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the sector braces for fresh investment. He described instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering as foundational to the survival, profitability and safety of the industry, and urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to become innovators and future industry leaders.
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‎Renaissance Reaffirms Commitment to Local Content
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‎Confiance News also gathered that the General Manager, NCD, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, said the company remains committed to developing indigenous capabilities and strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector through investment in human capital.
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‎Olawuyi said the programme would expose trainees to both technical and practical aspects of industry operations, spanning mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity, enabling them to acquire skills increasingly demanded by employers.
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‎He stressed that success in the sector requires not only technical competence but professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture, charging trainees to embody these values throughout the programme.
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‎Radial Circle Says Selection Was Highly Competitive
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‎The lead training provider, Radial Circle, described the programme as a rare opportunity for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global energy industry, its chief executive officer, Ranti Omole, disclosed.
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‎Confiance News obtained details showing that participants emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
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‎Omole said the objective extends beyond certification, with emphasis on producing industry-ready professionals capable of contributing immediately in operational environments. He urged the trainees to maximise the opportunity through discipline, continuous learning and collaboration with colleagues drawn from different parts of the country.
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‎Stakeholders at the event said the programme supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, reinforcing the local talent pipeline needed to sustain growth in the country’s energy sector.
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