LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12-month Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerian graduates with technical and professional skills required to build careers in the country’s oil and gas industry.
The initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s local talent pipeline by providing specialised training in mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering, while supporting the country’s broader local content and workforce development objectives.
The programme will combine three months of classroom instruction with nine months of supervised on-the-job training (OJT) at partner oil and gas service companies, giving participants practical industry experience alongside internationally recognised certifications.
A total of 300 trainees were selected through a competitive process, with 240 participants undergoing training in Lagos and 60 in Port Harcourt.
Programme Supports Nigeria’s Local Content Agenda
Speaking at the programme’s inauguration, NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe said the initiative aligns with the Board’s statutory mandate to develop indigenous capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and create employment opportunities that support economic growth.
Represented by the Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi, Ogbe described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future energy workforce.
“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.
He noted that demand for specialised engineering expertise continues to grow as Nigeria prepares for new upstream, midstream and downstream energy investments.
According to him, competencies in automation, instrumentation, electrical systems and mechanical engineering are critical to ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of petroleum operations.
“Instrumentation, electrical and mechanical engineering are foundational to the survival, profitability and safety of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This training is designed to close existing skills gaps and prepare participants for industry demands,” he added.
Ogbe encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, describing the programme as a platform for developing future industry leaders, innovators and problem-solvers.
Renaissance Reaffirms Commitment to Human Capital Development
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited said the programme reflects its commitment to building indigenous capabilities and supporting sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector through strategic investment in human capital.
Speaking on behalf of the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, Engr. Funso Alabi said the training is structured to provide participants with both technical knowledge and practical workplace experience.
He explained that trainees will receive instruction and hands-on exposure in areas including:
- Mechanical engineering systems
- Electrical operations
- Instrumentation and process control
- Software development
- Computer networking
- Cybersecurity
According to him, the combination of classroom learning and field experience will bridge the gap between academic training and industry requirements.
“At Renaissance, we believe local content development must create real capability, strengthen indigenous expertise and empower Nigerians to lead,” Alabi said.
He also stressed that technical knowledge alone is insufficient, urging participants to cultivate professionalism, teamwork, integrity and a strong safety culture throughout their careers.
Industry-Ready Professionals
Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle, the programme’s lead training provider, Ranti Omole, said the initiative is designed to produce graduates who can transition directly into operational roles across the energy industry.
He disclosed that the 300 beneficiaries were selected from thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database through a highly competitive recruitment process.
According to Omole, the programme’s objective extends beyond awarding certificates to developing professionals capable of making immediate contributions in the workplace.
“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 urged participants to embrace discipline, continuous learning and collaboration throughout the training period.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Energy Workforce
Stakeholders at the launch said the initiative supports the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and aligns with the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, both of which seek to increase indigenous participation in the country’s petroleum industry.
The programme comes as Nigeria seeks to expand oil and gas investments while addressing skills shortages in critical engineering disciplines. By combining technical education with practical industry exposure, the NCDMB-Renaissance partnership is expected to improve the employability of young graduates and strengthen the skilled workforce needed to support the country’s evolving energy sector.
Industry observers say such workforce development initiatives will be crucial to sustaining local content achievements, enhancing operational efficiency and positioning Nigerian professionals for opportunities in both domestic and international energy markets.
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