?The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, has launched a specialized human capital development program aimed at equipping 300 young Nigerian graduates with industry-relevant skills in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.
?The initiative, tagged the NCDMB–Renaissance Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, is designed to prepare participants for successful careers and seamless integration into the petroleum sector.
To effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical workplace requirements, the comprehensive 12-month program is structured into three months of intensive classroom-based learning followed by nine months of on-the-job training with partner service companies.
A total of 300 trainees were selected for the cohort, with 240 participants based in Lagos and 60 deployed to Port Harcourt.
?Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe—represented by the Assistant Manager of Human Capacity Development, Mr. Tari Bufazi—stated that the initiative aligns with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the energy sector, and drive economic growth.
He noted that specialized skills in automation and engineering operations remain foundational to the safe, profitable, and efficient exploitation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, especially as the industry prepares for new investment projects.
He urged the beneficiaries to capitalize on the platform to transform into innovators and future industry leaders.
?Reiterating this corporate commitment, Engr. Funso Alabi, representing the General Manager of NCD at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Olarenwaju Lanre Olawuyi, emphasized that investments in human capital must create real capability and empower Nigerians to lead.
He explained that the training will expose participants to vital operational areas, including mechanical systems, electrical operations, instrumentation and control, software development, networking, and cybersecurity, noting that success requires technical competence alongside professionalism, integrity, and a strong safety culture.
?Mr. Ranti Omole, Chief Executive Officer of Radial Circle and the lead training provider for the program, highlighted that the participants emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving thousands of applicants drawn from the NCDMB database.
He stressed that the core objective goes far beyond mere certification, focusing instead on developing field-ready professionals capable of contributing immediately in operational environments.
Industry stakeholders present at the event commended the joint venture, noting that it strongly supports the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act and the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by reinforcing the local talent pipeline essential for sustaining the country's energy industry.
