NCDMB, Renaissance launch 12-month field readiness programme for 300 young Nigerians
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has commenced a specialised 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerian graduates with industry-relevant technical and professional skills in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, disclosed this at the official commencement of the programme, noting that the initiative aligns with the Board’s mandate of developing local capacity, deepening Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and creating opportunities that will support economic growth.
The programme, which will run for one year, consists of three months of intensive classroom-based training followed by nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies in the oil and gas sector. Of the 300 successful participants, 240 are undergoing training in Lagos, while the remaining 60 are based in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe described the initiative as more than a training programme, saying it marks the beginning of a transformational journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class technical skills and internationally recognised certifications.
“This is more than the commencement of a training programme. It is the beginning of a journey for young Nigerians who will acquire world-class skills in mechanical, instrumentation and electrical disciplines,” he said.
The NCDMB boss explained that specialised competencies in automation, instrumentation and engineering operations are increasingly critical to the safe, efficient and profitable exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, particularly as the industry prepares for new investment opportunities.
According to him, the training programme was carefully designed to bridge existing skills gaps and prepare participants to meet the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry.
He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a platform capable of transforming them into innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders in the energy sector.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous capabilities through sustained investment in human capital development.
Represented by Engr. Funso Alabi, Olawuyi said the training would expose participants to both theoretical and practical aspects of oil and gas operations, equipping them with competencies that are increasingly demanded by employers across the industry.
He noted that the programme integrates classroom instruction with extensive workplace experience in areas including mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking and cybersecurity.
According to him, the practical component is intended to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, while also instilling professionalism, integrity, teamwork and a strong safety culture among participants.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the lead training provider, Mr. Ranti Omole, described the initiative as a unique opportunity for young Nigerians seeking careers in the global energy industry.
He disclosed that the participants were selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
Omole stressed that the objective of the programme extends beyond the award of certificates, explaining that the focus is on producing competent, industry-ready professionals capable of making immediate contributions in operational environments.
“We are building competence and skills. By the time you complete this programme, you should be field-ready and able to fit seamlessly into industry operations,” he said.
He encouraged participants to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different parts of the country in order to maximise the benefits of the programme.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the initiative supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act as well as the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by strengthening the pool of skilled local professionals required to sustain growth and competitiveness in Nigeria’s energy industry.
