31/10/2025
📰 State of the Nation – Press Release Summary
Headline:
As FIDs Surge, NCDMB Set To Train Over 10,000 Nigerians in High-Demand Oil Skills
Issued by: Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)
Date: October 24, 2025
Signed by: Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, GM Corporate Communications
Summary: The NCDMB has launched the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program, a major human capital development initiative designed to train over 10,000 Nigerian youths in 10 high-demand oil and gas skills over the next 2–3 years.
This program is a response to the surge in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) across Nigeria’s upstream sector—such as the US$2 billion HI Field Gas Project by Shell/Sunlink, US$550 million UBETA Gas Project by TotalEnergies, and the US$5 billion Bonga North Deepwater Project—driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential Directives on accelerating investments.
Key Program Highlights:
Target Group: Nigerians under 35 years with OND/HND/B.Sc in relevant engineering and science fields.
Top 10 Skills: Subsea Engineering, Underwater Welding, Control & Automation, Helicopter Piloting, Marine Operations, Production & Maintenance, QA/QC, Geosciences, and Digital Technologies (AI, IoT, Big Data, Drones).
Structure: Classroom + Practical Lab + Skills Certification + On-the-Job Training (minimum 6 months).
Support: Monthly stipends, insurance, PPE, and medical screening.
Implementation: Partnership with 3+ service companies per skill area; delivery through OGTAN-certified training providers.
Registration Portal: nogicjqs.gov.ng/accounts/login
Policy Backing:
Anchored on Section 10(1b) of the NOGICD Act (2010) — giving Nigerians first consideration for training and employment in oil and gas operations.
Strategic Impact:
The initiative is expected to bridge critical skills gaps, strengthen local participation, and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda for a $1 trillion economy.
