The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Zigma Limited, has graduated 50 Nigerian youths from a specialised crane operations training programme aimed at strengthening indigenous technical capacity for the country’s oil and gas, construction and industrial sectors.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, marked the completion of a four-week intensive Crane Operations Operator Level I and II programme that combined classroom instruction with practical field training in line with international safety and operational standards.
Sponsored by NCDMB and implemented by Zigma Limited, the initiative forms part of the Board’s human capital development strategy under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, with the goal of increasing the number of certified Nigerian professionals in critical technical roles.
Representing NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Board official Halvin Okonmah said the programme reflects the agency’s commitment to expanding opportunities for Nigerians and deepening local participation across the energy value chain.
“This initiative will foster stronger partnerships, inspire fresh ideas and deepen the development of skilled local capacity for the benefit of our industry and our nation,” Okonmah said.
He urged the graduates to uphold the Board’s values of patriotism, professionalism, integrity, creativity, passion and teamwork as they enter the workforce.
The Managing Director of Zigma Limited, Funmi Ogbue, represented by Chief Operating Officer Ojinika Mba-Kalu, described the graduation as “a celebration of transformation and discipline.”
“Infrastructure may build industries, but skilled people build nations,” she said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to collaborating with government and industry partners on future capacity-building programmes.
According to Zigma, participants received training in crane operating principles, lifting operations, equipment inspection, load handling techniques, signalling and communication, hazard identification, risk assessment, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) best practices.
Project Manager Amy Nwadiaro said the programme ran from July 6 to July 31, 2026. She disclosed that 355 applications were received nationwide, with 65 candidates shortlisted for screening before the final selection of 50 trainees. All selected participants completed the programme successfully.
“The curriculum was designed to blend theory with hands-on practice so that graduates can apply their skills effectively in real work environments,” Nwadiaro said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, Evidence Ojie thanked NCDMB and Zigma for providing what he described as a career-defining opportunity.
He noted that the training covered critical competencies such as boom set-up, working range calculations, load chart interpretation and safety margins required for offshore and industrial crane operations.
“The skills we have acquired will enable us to compete on rigs, decks and platforms anywhere in the world,” Ojie said, pledging that the graduates would prioritise professionalism and safety throughout their careers.
Industry stakeholders at the event highlighted the growing demand for certified crane operators as Nigeria expands investments in oil and gas infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and logistics. They stressed that formal certification and competency-based training are essential for reducing workplace accidents, improving operational efficiency and increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian workers in domestic and international markets.
The programme is one of several NCDMB-backed initiatives designed to bridge technical skills gaps and support the Federal Government’s broader industrialisation and local content objectives. By developing a pipeline of qualified Nigerian operators, the Board aims to reduce dependence on expatriate labour and create sustainable employment opportunities for young professionals in high-value sectors.
