In a landmark event celebrating the pivotal role of human capital in Nigeria’s energy sector, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) was honored as the Government Partner of the Year at the 4th Annual Human Capital Development Awards 2025, organized by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) in Lagos. The prestigious award underscores NCDMB’s unwavering commitment to fostering human capacity development and advancing local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. During the event, the agency, represented by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, unveiled two transformative programmes aimed at addressing critical skill gaps and elevating the quality of training in the sector. These initiatives signal a bold step toward aligning human capital development with the evolving needs of Nigeria’s energy landscape, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in Africa’s energy future.
Themed “Indigenous Excellence and Human Capital: Partners for the Future of Energy,” the awards ceremony brought together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and training institutions to celebrate achievements in capacity building and to chart a path for sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector. Engr. Ogbe, represented by Esueme Dan Kikile, General Manager of Human Capital Development at NCDMB, used the platform to announce two groundbreaking initiatives: the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification and the Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme. These programmes are designed to standardize training practices, eliminate unqualified trainers, and address critical skill shortages in the short, medium, and long term, ensuring that Nigeria’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming industry.
NCDMB’s New Initiatives: A Strategic Approach to Capacity Building
The Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at professionalizing the training ecosystem within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. By establishing a standardized framework for training facilities and faculties, the programme seeks to ensure that only qualified trainers deliver capacity-building programmes. This move addresses a long-standing challenge in the industry, where inconsistent training standards have sometimes hindered the development of a highly skilled workforce. By certifying trainers and facilities, NCDMB aims to elevate the quality of training, ensuring that it meets global benchmarks and aligns with the specific needs of the oil and gas sector.
The Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme, on the other hand, takes a targeted approach to addressing skill deficiencies that are critical to the industry’s growth. This initiative identifies and prioritizes the most pressing skill gaps in the short, medium, and long term, ensuring that training efforts are strategically aligned with industry requirements. Whether it’s enhancing technical expertise in areas such as drilling, reservoir engineering, or renewable energy integration, or fostering soft skills like project management and leadership, the programme is designed to produce a workforce that is not only competent but also adaptable to the evolving energy landscape.
Engr. Ogbe emphasized that these initiatives mark a shift from generic training approaches to a more deliberate and industry-focused model. “Training will no longer be for the sake of training; it will be strategically aligned to industry needs,” he assured the audience. This commitment reflects NCDMB’s recognition that a well-trained workforce is the cornerstone of sustainable industrial growth, particularly in a sector as dynamic and capital-intensive as oil and gas.
A Celebration of Collective Vision and Resilience
In his acceptance speech for the Government Partner of the Year award, Engr. Ogbe described the recognition as a testament to the shared vision of NCDMB’s partners, stakeholders, and Nigerians who believe in the transformative power of human capital. “This honour is not just a recognition of NCDMB as an institution; it is a celebration of the vision, resilience, and collective efforts of all our partners, stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian who believes in the power of human capital to transform industries and nations,” he stated. The award, he noted, underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving the goals of local content development and capacity building.
Ogbe further highlighted the indispensable role of people in driving industrial progress. “Infrastructure and technology cannot replace people, who are the true drivers of productivity, innovation, and economic sustainability,” he said. This statement resonates deeply in an industry where technological advancements and infrastructure investments are only as effective as the skilled professionals who operate and innovate within them. By prioritizing human capital development, NCDMB is laying the foundation for a self-reliant and globally competitive oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
NCDMB’s Achievements in Capacity Building
The NCDMB’s recognition as Government Partner of the Year is a reflection of its remarkable achievements in human capacity development. Engr. Ogbe shared that the agency has delivered over 10 million training man-hours to more than 9,000 Nigerians across various technical areas critical to the oil and gas industry. These areas include engineering, project management, welding, drilling, and other specialized skills that are essential for the sector’s operations. This milestone underscores NCDMB’s commitment to empowering Nigerians with the expertise needed to take on leadership roles in the industry, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and fostering economic independence.
The agency’s efforts have also extended to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through scholarships, internships, and vocational training programmes. By investing in education and skills development, NCDMB is not only addressing immediate industry needs but also building a pipeline of talent that will sustain Nigeria’s energy sector for decades to come. These initiatives align with the broader objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which mandates the promotion of local participation in the industry.
OGTAN’s Role in Shaping Nigeria’s Energy Future
The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), the host of the awards ceremony, has been a critical partner in advancing human capacity development in the industry. In his welcome address, OGTAN President Chris Osarumwense emphasized that “human capacity development remains the backbone of Nigeria’s energy future.” He highlighted the association’s role in coordinating training efforts, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting best practices in capacity building. OGTAN’s work complements NCDMB’s initiatives, creating a synergistic partnership that drives progress in the sector.
Osarumwense also praised NCDMB for its leadership in promoting local content and capacity development. He noted that the agency’s programmes have not only empowered individuals but also strengthened the capacity of indigenous companies to compete in the global oil and gas market. By recognizing NCDMB as the Government Partner of the Year, OGTAN acknowledged the agency’s pivotal role in shaping a future where Nigerians are at the forefront of the energy industry.
A Call for Sustained Investment in People
Former OGTAN President Dr. Mayowa Afe delivered a goodwill message that echoed the sentiments of Engr. Ogbe and Osarumwense. He urged stakeholders to maintain momentum in people-driven initiatives, emphasizing that training should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. “Like the NCDMB Executive Secretary said, we are building people who are going to build this industry,” Afe stated. He highlighted the long-term dividends of investing in human capital, including increased productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
Dr. Afe also called for continuity in capacity-building interventions to ensure that Nigeria develops a generation of highly skilled professionals capable of shaping Africa’s energy future. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies, training institutions, and private sector players to sustain these efforts. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, Nigeria can position itself as a hub for energy innovation and expertise in Africa and beyond.
The Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Energy Sector
The recognition of NCDMB as the Government Partner of the Year and the announcement of its new initiatives come at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. As the global energy landscape shifts toward sustainability and renewable energy, Nigeria faces the dual challenge of maximizing the value of its hydrocarbon resources while preparing for the transition to cleaner energy sources. A skilled and adaptable workforce is essential to navigating this transition successfully.
The Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification and the Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme are timely interventions that address both immediate and future needs. By standardizing training and targeting critical skill gaps, NCDMB is ensuring that Nigeria’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing industry. These initiatives also align with the government’s broader goals of economic diversification and job creation, as a skilled workforce can drive growth not only in oil and gas but also in related sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology.
Moreover, NCDMB’s focus on human capital development has significant implications for youth empowerment and poverty reduction. By providing training and employment opportunities, the agency is enabling young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the economy. This aligns with the aspirations of the Nigerian government to harness the potential of its youthful population, which constitutes a significant portion of the country’s demographic.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While NCDMB’s achievements and new initiatives are commendable, the journey to building a world-class workforce in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is not without challenges. One key challenge is the need to scale up training programmes to reach a larger number of Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities. Ensuring equitable access to training opportunities will be critical to maximizing the impact of NCDMB’s initiatives.
Another challenge is the need to keep pace with technological advancements and global best practices. The oil and gas industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics reshaping operations. NCDMB and its partners must ensure that training programmes incorporate these emerging trends to prepare the workforce for the future.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense. Nigeria’s vast oil and gas resources, coupled with its growing population, position the country as a potential leader in the global energy market. By investing in human capital, NCDMB is laying the groundwork for Nigeria to capitalize on these opportunities. The agency’s partnership with OGTAN and other stakeholders further strengthens its ability to drive impactful change.
A Vision for the Future
The 4th Annual Human Capital Development Awards 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of human capital in Nigeria’s energy sector. NCDMB’s recognition as the Government Partner of the Year is a testament to its leadership in this area, while the announcement of the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification and the Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme signals a bold vision for the future.
As Engr. Ogbe aptly stated, people are the true drivers of progress. By investing in their skills, knowledge, and potential, NCDMB is not only transforming the oil and gas industry but also contributing to the broader goal of building a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria. The agency’s efforts, in collaboration with OGTAN and other stakeholders, are paving the way for a future where Nigerians lead the charge in shaping the global energy landscape.
In the words of Dr. Afe, the industry must view training as an investment that pays long-term dividends. By sustaining these efforts, Nigeria can build a generation of professionals who are not only capable of meeting the demands of the oil and gas sector but also of driving innovation and growth across Africa’s energy ecosystem. As the country looks to the future, the partnership between NCDMB, OGTAN, and other stakeholders will be instrumental in realizing this vision, ensuring that Nigeria’s greatest asset—its people—remains at the heart of its energy transformation.
Conclusion
The 4th Annual Human Capital Development Awards 2025 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward building a world-class oil and gas workforce. NCDMB’s recognition as the Government Partner of the Year and the unveiling of its new initiatives underscore the agency’s commitment to human capacity development and local content promotion. Through the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certification and the Top Ten/Top Twenty Skills Gap Programme, NCDMB is addressing critical challenges while seizing opportunities to position Nigeria as a leader in the global energy market.
As the industry evolves, the focus on people-driven initiatives will remain paramount. By fostering collaboration, standardizing training, and targeting skill gaps, NCDMB and its partners are building a future where Nigerians are not just participants but leaders in the energy sector. This vision, rooted in the belief that human capital is the most valuable resource, will drive Nigeria toward a sustainable and prosperous energy future.
