The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to local capacity development and sustainable talent growth through strategic collaborations with private sector players.
The Board reaffirmed the commitment as it celebrated the close-out ceremony of a landmark Human Capital Development programme, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited.
The ceremony, which held in Lagos, marked the formal graduation of 11 outstanding trainees, who underwent a rigorous 12-month programme covering classroom instruction and practical exposure, including international training sessions in the United Kingdom.
The one-year training tagged:‘Chevron Nigeria Limited Purchase of Unit 20 Autothermal Reformer Cooled Tip Swirler Burner Assembly (Tag: 120-xx102-05),’ selected 11 outstanding candidates from a shortlist of 33 on the NOGIC JQS portal. It featured both classroom instruction and hands-on technical experience aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become industry leaders.
Speaking at the event, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s general manager, Human Capacity development, Barr. Esueme Dan-Kikile, described the initiative as a powerful expression of the Board’s project-based HCD framework and a key delivery under its Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.
“Today marks not just the end of a programme, but the celebration of a vision realised – a testament to the transformative power of the NCDMB HCD initiative, This programme is nation-building in action. All of you are prepared as catalysts of change – leaders who will provide local solutions and set new benchmarks for excellence in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors,” Ogbe said.
Ogbe lauded the contributions of Chevron and Geoscape in the programme’s success, saying, “Together with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited, NCDMB has demonstrated the powerful impact of public-private synergy. My sincere appreciation goes to Chevron for its unwavering commitment to building local talent, and to Geoscape for setting a high standard of professionalism and dedication during this training.”
Urging the graduands to make the most of the investment in their future, he added, “Your discipline, resilience and determination have brought you thus far.
This opportunity is a significant investment in your future. Remember: if you do not use it, you will lose it. I urge you to go out and excel in all your endeavours.
“Armed with new knowledge and skills, you now carry the torch of excellence. Wield your expertise with purpose, diligence, and integrity. Stand tall as ambassadors of the NCDMB, and continue to grow, adapt and lead.”
Ogbe urged the graduands to make the programme the springboard for a lifetime of achievement, adding, “Be relentless in learning, resilient in challenge, and inspiring to others. I believe in you. Nigeria believes in you. I challenge you to step forward and create meaningful impact.”
Chevron’s HCD Adviser, Mr. Victor Inyere, who represented the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content, Ventures and Regulatory Affairs, Ms. Edwina Kentebe-Oluwakayode, described the initiative not as a regulatory obligation but a social investment in line with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.
The chief executive officer of Geoscape Nigeria Limited, Modupe Jegede, in a formal welcome address, applauded both NCDMB and Chevron for their enduring support over the years. She noted that, without NCDMB’s enabling framework, companies like Geoscape would not thrive.
She said, “we always say that without NCDMB, Geoscape would not be here today. The Nigerian Content Act gave us a platform to grow our capacity and compete. Though you are our regulators, we see you as partners. We are proud to have received your support, and we have continued to uphold international standards, even becoming ISO certified.”
Jegede also highlighted Geoscape’s plans to unveil a fully equipped training school, as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable capacity building. She noted the state-of-the-art technical training school was nearing completion and extended an invitation to stakeholders for its upcoming commissioning.
Another trainee, Ayandipo Feyintoluwa, described the training as “innovative and eye-opening,” citing modules such as online leak sealing and composite repair.
According to him, ‘We appreciate NCDMB, Chevron and Geoscape. This training shouldn’t end – it’s something we’d all like to go further and deeper into.’
All parties echoed a shared vision: that by investing in human capital, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry would become more competitive, inclusive and future-ready.
