NCDMB hints on new programmes to bridge skill gaps in oil industry

..named OGTAN Government partner of the yesr

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has hinted at the introduction of two new programmes aimed at bridging skill gaps and enhancing human capacity in Nigeria's pil and gas industry.

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe who was represented by the General Manager, Human Capital Development, Esueme Dan Kikile made this known at the 4th Annual Human Capital Development Awards 2025 in Lagos hosted by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN).

This is as the agency also bagged NCDMB the Government Partner of the Year award at the event.

Speaking, Ogbe announced the two new initiatives to include Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification, aimed at standardising training facilities and faculties while eliminating unqualified trainers; the Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme, a focused training approach to close critical skill gaps required in the short, medium and long term.

In his acceptance speech at the event themed ‘Indigenous Excellence and Human Capital: Partners for the Future of Energy’, Ogbe hailes the recognition as a tribute to the Board’s partners, stakeholders and Nigerians who share the vision that human capital is the most valuable resource for industrial growth.

“This honour is not just a recognition of NCDMB as an institution; it is a celebration of the vision, resilience and collective efforts of all our partners, stakeholders and indeed every Nigerian who believes in the power of human capital to transform industries and nations,” Ogbe said.

Ogbe further stressed that infrastructure and technology could not replace people, whom he described as the true drivers of productivity, innovation and economic sustainability.

“Training will no longer be for the sake of training; it will be strategically aligned to industry needs,” he assured.

He outlined NCDMB’s achievements in capacity building, including over 10 million training man-hours delivered to more than 9,000 Nigerians across various technical areas critical to the oil and gas sector.

In his welcome address, OGTAN President, Chris Osarumwense underscored that “human capacity development remains the backbone of Nigeria’s energy future”.

Former OGTAN President, Dr Mayowa Afe, in his goodwill remarks, urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum in people-driven initiatives. He aligned with the Executive Secretary’s assertion that the industry’s greatest asset is its people.

“Like the NCDMB Executive Secretary said, we are building people who are going to build this industry,” he stated, urging players in the sector to view training not as a cost but as an investment that pays long-term dividends for businesses and the economy.

Afe said the industry must ensure continuity in these interventions so that Nigeria can build a generation of highly skilled professionals capable of shaping Africa’s energy future.