Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its maritime workforce received a major lift in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where 39 young graduates officially began an intensive 18-month cadetship programme under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) framework.

The initiative, driven by Chevron Nigeria Limited and Intels Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is designed to give the next generation of seafarers the discipline, technical know-how, and global certifications needed to find their place in the industry.

For years, a constant challenge in Nigeria’s maritime sector has been the shortage of locally trained professionals who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their international peers. This programme is a direct response to that gap. The cadets will undergo sea-time experience, Certificate of Competence (CoC) training, and hands-on exposure at Stoilic Shipping Limited, a Lagos-based company with strong international ties and a proven track record.

Following the 60:20:20 Strategic Training Model of the NCDMB, the programme is built to ensure that six out of every ten trainees secure job placements at the end of their training, while others continue on advanced mentorship and career development paths.

At the flag-off, the NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe called human capital development a “non-negotiable pillar” of the oil and gas industry’s future. He noted that the Board’s vision is not only about hydrocarbons but about creating opportunities fuelled by Nigerian talent.

Also Read: Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu to speak at NCDMB mentorship series

Represented by Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, General Manager, Human Capacity Development, urged the cadets to embrace the programme as more than just a career opportunity but a platform to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness. “When we embed HCD into the core of our strategic planning, local content ceases to be an aspiration; it becomes our reality,” he said.

Chevron’s Capacity Building Advisor, Mr. Victor Inyere, congratulated the cadets for making it into the programme, saying their selection reflected effort and dedication. He reminded them that the experience ahead is a rare chance to shape their careers and, at the same time, contribute directly to national growth.

Inyere also reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to Nigerian Content, stressing that the company has consistently backed initiatives that translate training into long-term employability.

From the training provider’s side, Mrs. Chimamanda Okafor, General Manager, Administration, Stoilic Nigeria Limited, spoke of the company’s strong record in cadet training, noting a 100 percent pass rate in previous Certificate of Competency assessments.

She explained that Stoilic plans to place cadets on international vessels and is already working toward establishing a world-class maritime university in Nigeria, one that would operate with global partnerships. “This is more than training; it is opening doors for Nigerians in a sector that drives global trade and economic progress,” she said.

The NC-HCD programme also enjoys the support of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), which has played a key role in aligning training with the real demands of the industry. By bridging the gap between education and employability, OGTAN ensures graduates are not only certified but also ready for the realities of a competitive maritime world.

For the 39 graduates embarking on this journey, the months ahead promise to be demanding, but the rewards could be transformative. Their cadetship represents not just personal opportunity but a wider step toward building a maritime sector defined by homegrown expertise, resilience, and international relevance.

Meiza Nigeria