The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a 12-month technical training programme for 60 Nigerians at Nigeria Machine Tools Limited in Osogbo, Osun State.
The initiative is designed to equip participants with specialized skills in oil and gas engineering and other technical fields, with the aim of strengthening Nigeria’s local workforce and preparing young people for opportunities in the energy and industrial sectors.
The programme is being 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.
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Participants will receive training in 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 comprises six months of classroom instruction followed by six months of supervised on-the-job training in companies. Participants are expected to receive internationally recognised certifications upon successful completion.
Speaking at the official launch in Osogbo, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to addressing technical skills shortages in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Bamidele, who was represented by Mr Tare Bufazi, Assistant Manager, Human Capacity Development, said the initiative was designed to address manpower gaps and improve Nigerians’ participation across the oil and gas value chain.
He disclosed that the 60 participants comprised 33 graduates and 27 vocational trainees. He also urged them to demonstrate discipline and commitment throughout the programme, noting that practical experience and technical competence would be important to their future careers.
Bamidele acknowledged the contributions of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools Limited to the initiative.
Representing Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr Richard Oyiborhor, Interface and Integration Manager for the NLNG Supply Project, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing Nigerian talent and strengthening local technical capabilities.
Oyiborhor commended NCDMB’s efforts to promote Nigerian content and described the partnership with Seflam SGL and Nigeria Machine Tools as an important contribution to industrial workforce development.
Mrs Bisola Agboluaje, Senior Manager, Business Interface at Seflam SGL, congratulated the trainees and said the programme’s development dates back to 2024, when NCDMB approved the training plans.
She described the initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s technical workforce.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Machine Tools Limited’s Chief Operating Officer, Ms Obehi Ojeagha, welcomed the participants and highlighted the institution’s 46-year history of supporting the country’s industrial development.
She expressed confidence that the trainees would acquire practical skills and professional experience to support their future contributions to the oil and gas industry.
Although the programme is expected to provide participants with technical training and industry exposure, the announcement did not specify whether successful trainees would receive guaranteed employment after completion or whether financial allowances would be provided during the training.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop local technical expertise and increase Nigerian participation in the country’s oil and gas industry.
