Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is often associated with drilling rigs, offshore platforms and billion-dollar investments. Less visible are the thousands of workers whose skills keep those operations running, from logistics coordinators and procurement specialists to supply chain professionals managing the movement of equipment and materials.

As demand for these specialised roles grows, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL) have launched a new Human Capacity Development programme aimed at preparing young Nigerians for careers supporting offshore operations.

The initiative, which commenced at the LADOL Free Zone in Lagos, will provide 12 participants with a combination of classroom training and practical industry experience in areas such as logistics, procurement, trade and supply chain management, all of which play critical roles in supporting offshore oil and gas activities.

Speaking at the launch, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the programme represents more than a conventional training exercise.

Represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Alexis Emelle, Ogbe described the initiative as “an investment in people and the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.”

According to him, the programme reflects the Board’s commitment to building a workforce capable of meeting the changing needs of the sector while creating opportunities for young Nigerians to develop careers in specialised fields.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that the industry increasingly requires professionals who are adaptable, dependable and capable of solving complex operational challenges.

For SNEPCo, the programme forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigerian participation across the industry’s value chain.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Nigerian Content Manager, Obiajulu Onochie, described human capital development as a key pillar of operational excellence and commended NCDMB for its role in driving capacity development within the sector.

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He noted that the company has supported several training initiatives this year, covering areas including cybersecurity, blockchain architecture, NEBOSH certification and subsea operations.

Onochie stressed that long-term industry growth depends on continued investment in Nigerian talent, adding that building local expertise remains essential to creating a sustainable energy sector.

The importance of local content development was also highlighted by LADOL, which pointed to the role government-backed local content policies have played in the growth of indigenous businesses.

A representative of the company stated that “without local content, LADOL would not exist in its present form,” underscoring the impact of policies designed to increase Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry.

The training programme follows a two-stage selection process and is expected to equip participants with practical competencies required to support supply base operations, an area that has become increasingly important as offshore projects grow in scale and complexity.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Olaniye Sodiq expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating opportunities for young professionals to gain industry-relevant experience.

He said participants were eager to acquire new skills and contribute meaningfully to LADOL and the wider oil and gas sector upon completing the programme.

The initiative is part of broader efforts by NCDMB and industry operators to align workforce development with the needs of the energy sector, ensuring that more Nigerians are equipped to take up high-value roles as the industry evolves.

Meiza Nigeria