Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has commenced a specialised training programme for 48 Nigerians in subsea engineering to bridge critical skills gaps and strengthen indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry.
The programme was officially launched on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of the board’s commitment to developing highly skilled Nigerian professionals for offshore and deepwater operations.
The initiative features six months of classroom instruction followed by six months of structured on-the-job training, equipping participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise required to operate in the specialised field of subsea engineering.
The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD).
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, FNSE, represented by the general manager, human capacity development, Ms. Emelle Alexis, said the programme would equip participants with the technical competencies required for complex subsea operations and the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.
Ogbe described the initiative as a significant step towards preparing young Nigerians for specialised technical roles in the energy industry.
“Today marks the beginning of a transformational journey for 48 young Nigerians in a highly specialised field that demands precision, discipline and accountability. Through intensive classroom instruction and structured on-the-job training, the participants will gain hands-on experience in subsea engineering,” he said.
He emphasised that subsea operations demand a high level of technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety, noting that the skills acquired would be crucial to the industry’s operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
According to him, the programme goes beyond technical training to develop the problem-solving abilities, teamwork, professionalism and safety consciousness required to succeed in the oil and gas sector.
“The competencies you acquire through this programme are critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities. Beyond technical proficiency, the training is designed to develop your problem-solving skills teamwork, professionalism and commitment to safety,” he stated.
The NCDMB chief urged the trainees to embrace the opportunity with dedication, discipline and a strong commitment to learning, expressing confidence that they would emerge with the technical expertise and professional standards needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He noted that building indigenous technical capacity remained essential to increasing Nigerian participation in specialised industry activities and reducing dependence on foreign expertise.
In his remarks, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening indigenous capabilities in the energy sector.
Osiwo stressed that a skilled Nigerian workforce was indispensable to the successful delivery of ongoing and future energy infrastructure projects, adding that sustained investment in human capital would support industry growth and improve local participation in technically demanding operations.
Earlier, the managing director of Global Ocean Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Engr. Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the programme as a strategic investment in developing indigenous expertise in subsea engineering.
He said the collaboration among NCDMB, Heritage Energy and Global Ocean reflected a shared commitment to building the specialised technical workforce required for offshore and deepwater infrastructure, Aderibigbe noted that competent local professionals were essential to ensuring the safe, efficient and reliable operation of complex offshore facilities.
The trainees expressed appreciation to the partner organisations for the opportunity to acquire specialised subsea engineering skills, highlighting safety training and AutoCAD as important components of their learning experience.
The programme forms part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development initiatives, which are designed to address critical skills shortages and prepare Nigerians for technical and operational responsibilities across the oil and gas value chain.
Through the initiative, the board seeks to expand the pool of qualified Nigerian professionals for offshore and deepwater operations, promote technology transfer and increase indigenous participation in high-value oil and gas activities.
The kick-off ceremony was attended by representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, alongside the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.
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