Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has launched an 18-month Helicopter Pilot Training Programme aimed at developing a new generation of highly skilled Nigerian pilots to support the aviation, oil and gas, logistics and security sectors.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Bristow Helicopters, is part of the Board’s broader human capital development strategy designed to strengthen local content and reduce reliance on expatriate expertise in critical industry operations.
At the programme’s kick-off ceremony, NCDMB described the training as a landmark intervention that would equip young Nigerians with world-class aviation knowledge, technical competencies and operational skills required for helicopter piloting services.
The programme will combine classroom instruction, ground training and practical flight operations, culminating in the award of both Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences to successful participants.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Capacity Building Division, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said the initiative underscores the Board’s commitment to building indigenous capacity across strategic sectors of the economy.
He noted that the programme was designed to develop globally competitive Nigerian professionals capable of meeting the growing manpower requirements of the aviation and energy industries.
According to NCDMB, the pilot training scheme is expected to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified Nigerian pilots for helicopter operations, particularly in offshore oil and gas logistics where aviation services play a critical role.
The Board disclosed that 10 trainees, including female participants, were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants nationwide.
Addressing the trainees, NCDMB urged them to approach the programme with discipline, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that the opportunity represented a significant investment in their professional development.
The Board emphasized that thousands of young Nigerians would have welcomed such an opportunity and encouraged participants to maximise every aspect of the training programme.
The initiative is being supported by Chevron Nigeria Limited, while Bristow Helicopters is responsible for delivering the specialised pilot training and aviation expertise required for the programme.
NCDMB said the partnership reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to promote workforce development and strengthen local participation in high-value segments of the aviation and oil and gas industries.
For Chevron, the programme aligns with its commitment to developing Nigerian talent and supporting sustainable industry growth through strategic investments in human capital.
Bristow Helicopters, on its part, is expected to provide world-class training, facilitate knowledge transfer and contribute to the development of future Nigerian pilots capable of supporting helicopter operations across the country’s aviation and energy sectors.
NCDMB further noted that the programme would deepen local content capacity by creating a pool of highly trained aviation professionals while reducing skills gaps in a sector that remains critical to offshore petroleum operations.
The Board added that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts under its human capital development agenda to ensure that Nigerians are adequately equipped to take advantage of emerging opportunities across the oil and gas value chain and other strategic sectors of the economy.
