Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a major boost to Nigeria’s drive for human capital development and local participation in the oil and gas industry, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has officially launched the 2025–2027 Graduate Internship Programme
Launched in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the programme, which will train 100 young Nigerian graduates over two years, is aimed at equipping them with the practical experience, technical skills, and professional exposure needed to thrive in the oil and gas value chain.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Human Capital Development, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, described the initiative as “a strategic contribution to Nigeria’s journey toward energy self-reliance through the development of indigenous human capital.”
“While infrastructure and asset ownership are important, human capacity development remains the cornerstone of our mandate,” Ogbe said.
“This programme underscores NCDMB’s commitment to building a globally competitive and technologically advanced Nigerian energy industry anchored on robust local participation.”
He commended Renaissance Africa Energy, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, for sustaining the internship scheme, which began under SPDC’s sponsorship, and praised PETAN for its consistency in promoting local capacity growth.
“We are proud of this partnership because it provides opportunities for our young professionals to gain hands-on experience, understand industry realities, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Ogbe added.
Also speaking, PETAN Chairman, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, represented by Dr. Okey Ukaegbu, reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to nurturing local talent and bridging Nigeria’s technical skills gap.
“True local content is not just about participation; it is about empowerment through knowledge, competence, and innovation,” Ukaegbu said.
“These interns will serve as the next generation of innovators and leaders driving operational excellence across the oil and gas sector.”
He was supported by Mr. Chinedu Maduaku, a member of PETAN’s Internship Committee, who highlighted that the interns would be deployed to PETAN member companies to acquire targeted, industry-relevant training.
“This partnership ensures that our interns are not just observers but active contributors to innovation and performance improvement within host companies,” Maduaku stated.
From Renaissance Africa Energy, Engr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, praised the tripartite collaboration as a model for sustainable talent development in the energy sector.
“We see this as a vital investment in Nigeria’s youth and our collective energy future,” Olawuyi said. “Renaissance is proud to continue this legacy of empowering young Nigerians through mentorship, technical training, and professional exposure.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Kene Akubue, General Manager, NCD, Renaissance, said the initiative reflects “progressive synergy” among stakeholders in the sector and would help address unemployment challenges through structured industrial exposure.
“Partnerships like this are key to driving a sustainable energy transition anchored on Nigerian talent and innovation,” Akubue concluded.
The 2025–2027 NCDMB/PETAN/Renaissance Graduate Internship Programme will run for two years, with participants drawn from engineering, geology, ICT, and natural science disciplines, and deployed to PETAN member firms across the country.
