By Yemie Adeoye
As part of efforts to provide a platform for improving manpower development through training, the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has introduced specific courses aimed at both young and experienced professionals in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
According to a statement credited to the President of the Association, Engr Chima Ibeneche, the framework for the learning solutions took over two years to develop as the NGA worked closely with the industry through its various forums and network to develop professional courses that would benefit not only the private sector but also the regulators and policy makers in the public sector who help shape the direction of the gas industry in Nigeria.
“We all know that public opinion helps to shape policy and policy shapes the way we work and therefore we can only achieve and sustain this cycle by sustained capacity development to ensure an educated and competent professional workforce supported by a well educated public, who can continue to partner by providing useful input into policy formulation and standard setting and implementation for the industry.
We cannot have a sustainable and beneficial gas industry without a knowledge based development. Our professional inputs in the operating companies and our contribution to policy development must be grounded in sound technical and commercial knowledge and in understanding the social implications of the activities in our industry. We must also be aware of global trends that have direct and indirect impact on our industry.
NGA with a membership base of over 40 corporate members and 1212 individual members has a wide range of seasoned and renowned professionals and subject matter experts (SMEs) who are willing to contribute their quota to national development.
“We cover the whole gas value chain from exploration, production, processing, storage, marketing and transportation to end users so we would not only focus on technical areas, project economics but also cover the commercial, safety and regulatory areas all targeted at gas monetization and value creation.
According to him, the courses are industry driven and therefore well thought out, carefully designed and will be professionally delivered by the tried and tested with relevant and current operational experience that would bridge the gap between theory and practice
