Edith CHUKU
As part of efforts to boost energy infrastructure protection, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB, has commenced training of 33 young graduates of engineering, geology and related disciplines.
The opening formalities for the 12 months training organised under the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and MJD Oilfield Services Limited Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC HCD) Training Programme, was held on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Addressing the trainees, the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, urged them to approach the programme with discipline and determination, revealing that lessons gained would shape them into professionals capable of solving real industry problems.
Ogbe who was represented at the event by the NCDMB Manager, Human Capital Development, Mrs. Tarilate Bribena-Teide, explained that “pipeline pigging, a process involving insertion of devices called pigs into pipelines for cleaning, gauging, etc. to ensure integrity of the system, and corrosion control, protect the pipelines, prevent costly failures, and safeguard the environment and the economy.
“The expertise gained from the training would position trainees to contribute meaningfully to major national projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, measuring 614 kilometres, and many others, which accords with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry, and create opportunities that drive national growth.”
The NCDMB boss expressed appreciation to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited for its partnership with the Board and commitment to developing Nigerian talent.
In his own remarks, a representative of Renaissance Africa, Mr. Funso Alabi, thanked NCDMB profoundly for its support to the company and for all it has done toward growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
Highlighting the achievements recorded in HCD since inception of the Board, with Nigerians occupying key positions in industry and others doing so well abroad, Alabi said, “NCDMB has done so much. The Board is turning Nigeria into a great nation.”
He also thanked MJD Oilfield Services for the calibre of trainers assembled to run the training programme.
Also, the Managing Director, MJD, Mr. Olayemi Familusi, expressed gratitude to NCDMB and Renaissance, noting that changes in the oil and gas industry brought about by NCDMB initiatives are everywhere, particularly in the development of indigenous companies and human resources.
Giving the closing remarks, the Project Manager of MJD, Chief Austin Ugbunaia, thanked the Board and Renaissance for the opportunity to play a part in capacity development, while assuring them of quality training and exposure for the trainees.
Trainees will have classroom technical sessions, simulation-based learning, field demonstrations, on-the-job training, mentorship and coaching, case study reviews, and continuous assessment and evaluation.
Expected outcomes of the programme include skilled project-ready personnel, measurable local content impact, creation of pipeline integrity talent pool, and long-term infrastructure reliability.
