Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, have graduated 401 trainees under their Human Capacity Development, HCD, Programme, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s technical workforce and deepening local content participation in the oil and gas industry.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the NLNG Train 7 Project, was formally concluded at a close-out ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the capacity-building initiative.
Speaking at the event, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, highlighted the importance of investing in human capital development as a critical pillar for the sustainability of Nigeria’s energy industry.
Horsfall noted that the programme had successfully equipped participants with technical and professional competencies needed to thrive in the highly competitive oil and gas sector.
Also speaking, the Train-7 Project Director, Engr. Ali Uwais, described the initiative as a strategic collaboration designed to bridge critical competence gaps within the industry.
According to him, the programme has empowered 401 participants with relevant industry skills and practical knowledge that would enhance their employability and professional growth.
He encouraged the graduates to continue building on the knowledge and experience acquired during the training while exploring further opportunities for career advancement.
Representatives of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria, OGTAN, commended both NCDMB and NLNG for their commitment to human capital development, noting that the programme reflects the industry’s growing focus on building indigenous capacity.
The trainees also expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating that the training had provided valuable technical, practical and professional skills that would positively influence their careers and improve their contributions to the sector.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board’s General Manager, Human Capital Development, Ms. Alexis Emelle, described the programme as a major milestone in efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Emelle said the initiative aligns with NCDMB’s mandate of building in-country capacity and ensuring that Nigerians are adequately prepared to take advantage of opportunities within the energy sector.
She urged the graduates to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme, embrace innovation and continuous learning, and serve as ambassadors of the initiative.
“This programme represents a significant step toward developing a highly skilled workforce for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” she said, encouraging participants to leverage their new competencies to drive productivity and industry growth.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to outstanding trainees in recognition of exceptional performance throughout the programme, while a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Joshua Anemeje commended NCDMB, NLNG, trainers and participants for contributing to the success of the initiative.
The Human Capacity Development Programme forms part of broader Nigerian Content efforts aimed at creating a pool of competent Nigerian professionals capable of supporting major oil and gas projects, including the NLNG Train 7 Project, while enhancing local participation across the industry’s value chain.
