Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has assured that the Petroleum Technology Development Fund’s Centre for Skills Develop and Training, CSDT, in Omagwa, Rivers State, will be fully operational by 2026, as the facility is now 92% complete.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the assurance during a visit to the project site, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress made since work recommenced on the facility in 2023.
The training centre, which was initially launched in 2011, is expected to serve as a hub for training low and middle-level skilled manpower, including welders and technicians, in the oil and gas sector.
“I have been briefed that most of the work recommenced in 2023, and today, the facility is 92% completed. I am really impressed. I have toured the hostel, which will accommodate over 400 students, meaning that by the time this place is operational, it will take 500 youths off the streets and train them in specialized skills,” Ekpo stated.
Ekpo emphasized the urgency of completing the project within the year, adding that his next visit should see the facility fully functional.
“I have seen the solid work done, and I believe that in the next few months, the ongoing projects will be completed. By 2026, we should have students enrolled and begin their studies in this facility, to the credit of the Renewed Hope administration,” he said.
Addressing workers at the site, the minister urged them to remain committed to the project, stressing that the completion of the centre would provide critical training for young Nigerians in the energy sector.
“Continue with your job; don’t wait until the Executive Secretary comes before you do what is required. We need to fix this nation for ourselves; nobody will come and fix it for us,” he stated.
Meanwhile, PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to completing the project by the end of 2025, ensuring it is ready for full operations in 2026.
“This project began in 2011. It is meant to train low and middle-level manpower, such as welders and technicians, in the oil and gas industry. Our target is to complete the project by the end of this year so that it will be fully functional by 2026,” Galadima stated.
He also revealed that PTDF is partnering with both local and foreign organizations to ensure the centre meets international training standards, making it a leading oil and gas skills development hub for Nigeria and the West African subregion.
