Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has reaffirmed its commitment to building indigenous technical capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, backing the commencement of the Assa North-Ohaji South Human Capacity Development, HCD, Brush-Up Training Programme in Rivers State.
The programme, sponsored by Renaissance Africa Energy Company in partnership with LEE Engineering, was formally launched at ICON Lifting and Rigging Inspection Ltd., Ozuoba, Port Harcourt, as part of efforts to equip Nigerians with industry-relevant skills and enhance local participation in the energy sector.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Esueme Dan Kikile, the Deputy Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tariowei Bufazi, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce.
Bufazi said the programme aligns with the Board’s mandate to deepen local content and develop competent Nigerian professionals capable of supporting the growth and sustainability of the nation’s energy industry.
“This initiative represents a strategic investment in developing competent Nigerian professionals to support the growth of the nation’s energy industry,” he said.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by approaching the training with discipline, commitment and a strong desire to acquire practical knowledge and technical competence.
According to him, the skills and experience gained during the programme would enhance the trainees’ employability and position them for meaningful participation in the oil and gas sector.
“The knowledge and skills acquired through this programme will position participants for meaningful participation in the energy industry and contribute to national development,” Bufazi added.
The NCDMB representative also commended Renaissance Africa Energy Company, LEE Engineering and other partners for their commitment to human capital development, community empowerment and the advancement of Nigerian content objectives.
In his goodwill message, a representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Mr. Funsho Alabi, said the training programme was specifically designed to strengthen participants’ technical competencies and improve their competitiveness within the evolving energy industry.
Alabi noted that sustained investment in human capital remains critical to meeting the manpower requirements of Nigeria’s growing oil and gas sector and ensuring that local professionals are adequately prepared for emerging opportunities.
The event featured presentations on the objectives of the training programme, implementation strategies and safety requirements expected of participants throughout the duration of the exercise.
Speaking at the close of the ceremony, Engr. Stanley Agbaigu of LEE Engineering expressed confidence in the success of the programme and its ability to deliver the intended outcomes.
The Assa North-Ohaji South HCD Brush-Up Training Programme forms part of ongoing efforts by industry stakeholders to strengthen local capacity, create employment opportunities and support the Nigerian Content agenda through targeted skills development initiatives.
