By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) have completed the one-year internship programme organised for seven young graduates as part of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Initiative.
The interns who were selected from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) received trainings on Earth Science, Reservoir Management and Drilling & Completion.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Abuja, the Executive Secretary (NCDMB) Mr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, commended Chevron for its efforts in developing human capacity and transferring knowledge to young Nigerians. He noted that other operating companies like Total Upstream, Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Shell and ExxonMobil also participated in the internship programme.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Board is reviewing its Human Capacity Development Strategy to ensure that 60 percent of industry’s training resources and efforts are devoted to providing young Nigerians with specialised skills and certifications needed to get employment.
Under the new policy, 20 percent of the trainings will be devoted to enhancing the skill of those already employed, adding that the Board will collaborate with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in this regard.
Mr Wabote noted that 20 percent of trainings will also be devoted to enhancing the participation of women in the oil and gas industry.
Commending the graduands for their successful completion of the programme, the Executive Secretary assured that they will be gainfully employed in the industry, informing that part of the Board’s 10 years strategic roadmap is to create 300,000 jobs in the industry, including direct and indirect employments.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria, represented by the General Manager Nigerian Content Development (NCD), Mr Olusoga Oduselu assured that the company will continue to support the Board through the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act.
General Manager, Capacity Building at NCDMB, Engr. Ikpomosa Oviasu also congratulated the graduands and advised them to acquire key certifications and skill sets to boost their viability for employment.
