NCDMB’s capacity-building portal hatches 331 trainees to come help build 75% complete Train 7 gas project
So that each trainee knows to take their tasks seriously, there were told that an end-of-training report will be available to rate the outputs of each one that engaged in the programme.
A critical idea, obtainable in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010 caters to the compulsory involvement of energy companies in building the local capacity of an environment that pays their bills. That is the sort of direction the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited was looking at in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday 11 November 2024 which was the day the company kicked off its Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) Basic Training Programme for the hugely significant $6.5 billion Train 7 Project.
The project, now at the 75 percent completion stage, is meant to increase Nigeria’s gas output so that citizens can have enough to use in-country for driving their cars and cooking.
While NLNG infrastructure races down to its final destination, 331 young graduates of diverse academic disciplines, including ICT, Engineering, Welding and Fabrication, non-destructive Testing (NDT), Lifting and Working at Height, Quality Management Systems, Marine and Offshore Services, and Facility Management and Maintenance, have been cleared to commence a 12-month training exercise.
These lots were the group that emerged successfully from the 848 candidates who were shortlisted from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGIC) Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and they will be feeling lucky.
At the event marking the commencement of training on Monday, NLNG’s Corporate Liaison Manager, Engr. Joshua Anemeje gave the opening charge on behalf of his organisation. As much as the Train 7 project situated in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State, looks like it is going easily and smoothly, more hands will be needed and the NC-HCD of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will make sure of that.
Engr. Anemeje noted in his speech that his company would not be where it is without the NCDMB, and he said we appreciate the enablement received.
The NLNG representative had earlier disclosed that over 10,000 workers are actively engaged in construction related to the Train 7 Project. Seeing fresh trainees before him, he could only encourage them to be focused and confidently look forward to utilising the skills they will surely earn.
Also at the kick-off was the NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building and Corporate Services, Dr. Ama Ikuru who despite past delays is pleased that training finally started in fulfilment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act requirement on human capital development.
This initiative, says the Board’s corporate services exec, wants to build a pool of skilled and globally competitive workforce to support the development and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors. The history of Nigeria’s energy sector has mostly relied on foreign helping hands to write its story, but that attitude is duly close to its demise.
The NC-HCD, according to Dr. Imuru represents a crucial investment in our country’s future, a commitment to the empowerment of the next generation of skilled professionals that can assist to build a strong foundation both with their knowledge and practical skills.
For every single phase they go through, there is an expectation that it would help deepen their expertise, the NCDMB’s staff member told the trainees.
It is anticipated that the training they are embarking on which lasts a whole year will lead to certification in certain competencies and key areas, like those earlier listed in the fields of engineering or information communications technology.
In Port Harcourt on Monday, it was Dr. Ikuru who seemed better placed to assure the trainees that a comprehensive welfare package was already waiting. You are going to earn more than you’ll earn in your first job when you leave this training.
Added to the benefits will be each trainee getting a laptop for the highly challenging tasks they would be assigned particularly in relation to the so much coveted ICT field.
There’s a pathway to employment for those who excel in this training, says the NCDMB’s capacity-building officer. So that each trainee knows to take their tasks seriously, he shared through his speech that an end-of-training report will be available to rate the outputs of every participant who engaged in the programme.
When this cohort finally concludes, there is room to take in more future trainees.
Those other young graduates who have their eyes set on a better quality of life via high-paying jobs that guarantee continuous improvement due to the demands are advised to register on NCDMB’s NOGIC JQS Portal which has the current 331 trainees.
The portal is the statutorily established database for companies operating and providing services in the oil and gas sector. When the Train 7 Project reaches completion, it is expected that it will increase the production capacity of the NLNG Terminal by 35 percent. This calculation possibly means moving up from the current 22 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 30mtpa.
The graduands to enable this future of an increment in gas production output are supposed to be the best in the business. Like having facilitators representing the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) tutoring them on gaining the desired skillsets.
According to Dr. Ihuru, being that these facilitators are supposed to be one of the best out there when it comes to imparting knowledge, then there shouldn’t be any compromising of values.
The association is expected to ensure that only their highly competent personnel are involved in the monumental programme which has huge national significance.
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