By Oyintokni Joel, Yenagoa.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12-month intensive training programme for 60 young Nigerians at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited, Osogbo, Osun State.
The programme is implemented under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC HCD) Training Programme for Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s EPU Phase 2 Gas Development Project. It is designed to equip participants with advanced, industry-relevant technical skills.
According to the Board, the curriculum covers engineering design, fitter machining, conventional machine tool operations, programming, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), electrical and mechanical maintenance, and document control.
The 12-month programme is structured into six months of classroom training and six months of supervised on-the-job training in reputable companies. On completion, graduates are expected to earn internationally recognized certifications that will enhance their employability in the oil and gas sector and beyond.
The cohort comprises 33 graduate trainees and 27 vocational trainees carefully selected for the initiative.
Speaking at the official launch in Osogbo, the Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, who was represented by Mr. Tare Bufazi, Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to closing critical technical skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He described the programme as a strategic intervention to address manpower shortages and prepare Nigerians for active participation across the oil and gas value chain. He stressed that NCDMB’s mandate goes beyond promoting local participation to building sustainable technical capacity required to drive the sector.
He urged participants to show discipline and commitment, noting that the programme offers practical competence and professional experience for long-term career growth. He also commended Renaissance Africa Energy, Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools for their collaboration.
In his remarks, Mr. Richard Oyiborhor, Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to nurturing Nigerian talent and strengthening local capabilities, while commending NCDMB’s leadership in deepening Nigerian Content.
Also speaking, Mrs. Bisola Agboluaje, Senior Manager, Business Interface at Seflam SGL, and Ms. Obehi Ojeagha, Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Machine Tools, described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in Nigeria’s technical talent pool and industrial development.
