Mkpoikana Udoma Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s drive to deepen local content in the energy and industrial sectors received a major boost yesterday as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, graduated 305 trainees under its Human Capacity Development Specialty Programme at the Centre for Marine & Offshore Technology Development, CMOTD, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
The trainees completed intensive modules in transformer maintenance, big data analytics, pressure vessels and heat exchangers design, and automation and control; skills regarded as critical to Nigeria’s evolving energy ecosystem and industrial growth plans.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of CMOTD, Engr. Vitalis Ahiakwo Okechukwu, said the centre was established to build a pipeline of highly skilled Nigerians who can compete globally in marine, offshore and broader energy technology disciplines.
He commended NCDMB for its continued investment in high-impact technical training.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Elakpa Ada Augustine, Head of Research & Development and Training Coordinator, explained the training structure and outcomes. He said the programme was designed to address identified capacity gaps and align Nigeria’s manpower pipeline with emerging industry needs.
Delivering his goodwill message on behalf of the Board, Mr. Blessing Ekpe reaffirmed NCDMB’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base.
“The NCDMB remain committed to building a skilled Nigerian workforce for the energy industry,” he noted.
Outstanding trainees were honoured with Awards of Excellence for exceptional performance during the programme.
The initiative is part of the Board’s broader mandate under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act to deepen indigenous participation through technical upskilling, research support, and structured manpower development.
