The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has kicked off a new nationwide Human Capital Development (HCD) programme aimed at training over 10,000 Nigerians for emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
The initiative, tagged the “Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program,” targets skill gaps that have long limited local participation in high-value technical and engineering roles.
According to the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the programme will run for two to three years and is part of the Board’s long-term strategy to build a robust pipeline of local talent. “The training will be implemented over a two-to-three-year period,” Ogbe said, emphasizing that it aligns with Section 10(1b) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, which gives Nigerians first consideration for training and employment in oil and gas projects.
Technical Areas
NCDMB said the training will focus on 10 high-demand technical and professional areas, including subsea engineering, underwater welding, control and automation engineering, helicopter piloting, seafaring, production and maintenance engineering, QA/QC engineering, and geoscience.
It will also extend to emerging digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Cloud Computing, and drone operations.
Ogbe explained that the programme was designed after reviewing Expatriate Quota applications from oil and gas operators, where persistent technical skill shortages were identified.
The NCDMB also collaborated with key industry bodies such as the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS) to ensure the curriculum meets market realities.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to Nigerians under 35 years old who hold OND, HND, or BSc degrees in fields such as Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Civil, Gas, Welding, or Metallurgy. Applicants from Geology, Geophysics, Computer Science, and related science disciplines are also eligible.
To apply, interested candidates must register on the NOGIC Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal at nogicjqs.gov.ng, create an account, update academic records, and complete the training registration form. The Board advised users with incomplete profiles to update them before submission, while fully registered users can apply directly.
NCDMB said it plans to review the initiative after two to three years to determine whether to adjust training areas based on new industry trends. The goal is to keep Nigeria’s workforce competitive in both traditional and emerging segments of the oil and gas industry.