The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has held an inaugural ceremony
marking the commencement of the Cadets Training Programme being organized with Stoilic Shipping
Limited, a renowned maritime training school.

This event was held in Apapa, Lagos on August 22, 2023. It had representation from different companies in attendance, including the NCDMB, Stoilic Shipping, and the cadets. The programme offers 10 Nigerian Navy cadets real-world experience as well as hands-on instruction aboard international vessels, giving them the practical skills and information required for a successful career in the maritime sector.

Under a period of ten months, the cadets are expected to receive extensive training in various elements of marine operations, safety protocols, navigation techniques, and industry best practices. This hands-on learning will
prepare them to effectively acquire their Certificate of Competence (COC) which helps prepare the recruits to
effectively contribute to the sector and then go on to make a positive impact on the nation’s economy.

NCDMB’s human capacity development manager, Mr. Timbiri Augustine, hinted that the training is
part of the board’s core mandates, noting that the project started years ago with the training of 20
cadets. In total, over 76 cadets have been trained so far.

Augustine highlighted the sterling role Stoilic Shipping Limited played in facilitating the training and charged the
cadets to be committed to this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

The training curriculum was improved by Stoilic’s experience and competence in maritime solutions. It is expected that the company will provide advanced training modules that will comply with
global marine standards, as well as provide training boats, in addition to seasoned and experienced mentors.

Sea protection

Also speaking was the Managing Director of Stoilic Shipping Limited, Mr. Lotanna Macfoy commended the NCDMB for always seeking to develop the capacity of Nigerians in the maritime sector and other areas of the energy-related industries. He assured that the programme will equip the cadets with skills to become the “best
version of themselves” and also urged them to be determined regardless of the challenges they would face
in the programme.

The Cadet Sea Time Training Programme is a vital aspect of NCDMB’s initiatives to strengthen local
content development, increase employment prospects, and increase the participation of Nigerians in
the international maritime arena. Equally, the partnership with Stoilic supports the board’s goal of
fostering economic development and building sufficient and competent human capacities in all areas of
the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Furthermore, the cadets’ training is part of NCDMB’s enduring investments in the Nigerian maritime sector, which is considered a key component of the oil and gas industry. The training will contribute towards constructing a brighter future for the nation’s marine landscape by investing in the development of young talents.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.