NCDMB reaffirms mandate, trains 33 engineers in pipeline pigging and corrosion control
The programme equips young engineers with skills to strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and local content capacity.
33 young Nigerian graduates in engineering, geology, and related disciplines formally commenced a 12-month training programme in pipeline engineering, corrosion control, and monitoring on Friday. The programme, organised under the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and MJD Oilfield Services Limited Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC HCD) Training Programme in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is aimed at developing local expertise to protect and sustain Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
The programme will include classroom technical sessions, simulation-based learning, field demonstrations, on-the-job training, mentorship, coaching, case study reviews, and continuous assessment. Its objectives are to produce project-ready professionals, create a pipeline integrity talent pool, deliver measurable local content impact, and strengthen the reliability of the country’s energy infrastructure.
At the opening ceremony, Mrs Tarilate Bribena-Teide, Manager of Human Capital Development at NCDMB, who represented the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe highlighted the importance of the training. She explained that pipeline pigging, a process that involves inserting devices called pigs into pipelines for cleaning and gauging, together with corrosion control, ensures pipeline integrity, prevents costly failures, and safeguards the environment and economy.
She said the skills gained by the trainees would allow them to contribute meaningfully to major national projects, including the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline. “This training aligns with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, and create opportunities that drive national growth,” she added.
Mrs Bribena-Teide expressed gratitude to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited for its partnership with the Board and its commitment to developing Nigerian talent. She urged trainees to approach the programme with discipline and determination, emphasising that the knowledge acquired would equip them to address real industry challenges and become professionals capable of delivering practical solutions.
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Engr. Funso Alabi, representing Renaissance Africa, acknowledged the support of NCDMB and highlighted the progress of human capital development initiatives since the Board’s inception. He said, “NCDMB has done so much,” noting that Nigerians now occupy key positions in the oil and gas industry both domestically and internationally. He also praised MJD Oilfield Services for the quality of trainers assembled to run the programme.
Mr Olayemi Familusi, Managing Director of MJD Oilfield Services, reiterated his gratitude to NCDMB and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. He noted that NCDMB’s initiatives have significantly transformed the oil and gas industry, particularly through the development of indigenous companies and the enhancement of local human resources.
Chief Austin Ugbunaia, Project Manager at MJD, delivered the closing remarks, thanking NCDMB and Renaissance for the opportunity to contribute to human capital development. He assured stakeholders that the trainees would receive comprehensive training and exposure, preparing them to meet the demands of the industry and deliver value to national energy projects.
