Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has pledged strategic collaboration with the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Bayelsa Chapter, to enhance capacity building, promote STEM education, and deepen women’s participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, the Chairperson of APWEN in Bayelsa, Dr. Engr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite, led a high-powered delegation to seek NCDMB’s support on multiple fronts, including professional training, the upcoming Engineering Olympiad, and inclusion in the Board’s “Back to the Creeks” initiative.
Obuebite also presented the association’s quarterly journal to the Board as a symbol of ongoing commitment to professional development and advocacy.
She said, “We are here to express our gratitude for the Board’s impactful initiatives and to seek your collaboration in areas that will empower more women engineers in the oil and gas value chain.
“Specifically, we seek continuous training opportunities, support for our STEM programmes, and stronger institutional partnerships.”
Responding, the General Manager of NCDMB’s Capacity Building Directorate, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to expanding Nigerian content and encouraging women’s inclusion in engineering.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that drive local capacity. Nigerian Content has grown from less than 5% to 56%, and we need more women to be part of that success story,” Kikile said.
“I encourage APWEN members to register on the NOGICJQS portal and obtain globally recognized certifications to increase your chances in the competitive oil and gas space.”
Kikile also expressed willingness to work with APWEN on the “Back to the Creeks” initiative and other development programmes.
“We are open to proposals that align with our goals. Come forward with your training needs and areas where we can collaborate, especially around the Engineering Olympiad,” he advised.
He further highlighted the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum, NCCF, as a valuable platform where APWEN members can contribute ideas and access industry-wide opportunities.
