The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has once again demonstrated its firm resolve to deepen local capacity and drive sustainable talent development through strategic industry collaboration, as it celebrated the graduation of 11 exceptional Nigerian trainees under a landmark Human Capital Development (HCD) programme funded by Chevron Nigeria Limited and delivered by Geoscape Nigeria Limited.

Held at Geoscape’s technical facility in Lagos, the close-out ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous 12-month training initiative tagged ‘Chevron Nigeria Limited Purchase of Unit 20 Autothermal Reformer Cooled Tip Swirler Burner Assembly (Tag: 120-xx102-05)’. The programme combined intensive classroom learning, technical hands-on experience, and international exposure, including sessions in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, described the initiative as a shining example of how Nigeria can harness private sector partnerships to groom industry-ready professionals. From an initial pool of 33 candidates sourced from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS), 11 outstanding individuals were selected and trained to become future leaders in oil and gas operations.

In his keynote address, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Barr. Esueme Dan-Kikile, General Manager of Human Capacity Development, said the programme was more than a graduation—it was a bold testament to Nigeria’s ability to produce local solutions through human capital investment.

“Today marks not just the end of a programme, but the celebration of a vision realised,” Ogbe declared. “This programme is a living expression of our Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap. You graduates are now ambassadors of local excellence, fully equipped to deliver transformational impact across the energy value chain.”

He commended Chevron and Geoscape for their collaboration, stating that the partnership embodied the potential of public-private synergy in reshaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

“Chevron’s unwavering commitment to local capacity development, and Geoscape’s professionalism and training excellence, made this programme a resounding success,” Ogbe said.

He urged the graduates to take full advantage of their new skills, warning against complacency: “This is a serious investment in your future. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Go out, be productive, lead, and make Nigeria proud.”

Chevron’s HCD Adviser, Mr. Victor Inyere, representing the company’s General Manager for Nigerian Content, Ventures and Regulatory Affairs, Ms. Edwina Kentebe-Oluwakayode, described the initiative as a strategic social investment and not just a regulatory box-checking exercise.

“Chevron’s belief is simple – people are the foundation of every community. Investing in people ensures development that lasts. We are proud to stand with NCDMB and Geoscape in this journey of nurturing the next generation,” Inyere said.

Geoscape Nigeria Limited’s CEO, Ms. Modupe Jegede, welcomed guests with a heartfelt tribute to NCDMB’s role in enabling indigenous firms to thrive. She praised the Board’s proactive support, which she said helped position Geoscape to grow into a company of international repute.

“Without the Nigerian Content Act and NCDMB’s support, Geoscape would not be here today. We’re proud to be ISO certified, and even prouder to unveil our soon-to-be-commissioned state-of-the-art technical training school – a legacy project that will outlive us,” she announced.

The facility, she noted, would offer ongoing training opportunities for past and future trainees, with a focus on long-term value creation over short-term profits.

“We don’t just want to succeed financially. We want to build a system that produces excellence, one that keeps Nigerian talent at the core of our growth story.”

Trainees shared emotional testimonies that captured the transformational impact of the programme. Elizabeth Oyeyemi, the only female graduate in the cohort, praised the initiative for empowering her to embrace a career in technical operations.

“This training broke barriers. It proved that women have no limits in engineering fields. The support and international exposure I received from NCDMB, Chevron, and Geoscape have changed my life,” she said.

Another participant, Ayandipo Feyintoluwa, described the training as “life-changing,” highlighting advanced modules like online leak sealing and composite repair as critical components of his professional development.

“This programme opened our minds to innovation. We’re grateful and only wish it could continue further.”

Industry experts say the success of the initiative underscores the value of public-private collaboration in achieving inclusive development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“Human capital is the oil of the future,” a sector analyst told our correspondent. “When global operators like Chevron join hands with institutions like NCDMB, it raises the industry’s competitive edge and keeps Nigerian talent on the global radar.”

As the ceremony concluded, all stakeholders echoed a shared commitment: Nigeria’s future lies in developing its people. With the NCDMB leading the charge, and industry giants like Chevron backing the vision, the foundation for a stronger, more self-reliant oil and gas industry is being laid, one trained professional at a time.

@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved 

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Fifteen years after the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act was signed into law on April 22, 2010, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) continues to play a central role in reshaping the country’s oil and gas industry.

Established by the NOGICD Act, the NCDMB was tasked with the responsibility of formulating procedures to guide, monitor, coordinate, and implement local content policies across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Since its inception, the Board has driven a transformative agenda that has boosted indigenous participation and in-country value creation.

From 5% to Over 54% Local Content

When the Act was signed into law, Nigerian content in the oil and gas sector stood at less than 5%. Today, the NCDMB reports that local content has increased to over 54%, a development widely seen as a major policy success.

Through regulatory oversight, collaboration with stakeholders, and strategic funding, the Board has empowered local firms, improved capacity, and promoted job creation.

Strategic Interventions and Key Achievements

Among the Board’s most notable initiatives is the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), a $300 million fund that provides accessible financing to indigenous oil and gas companies. The fund has helped local firms scale operations and compete more effectively with international players.

Additionally, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) is fostering industrialization by creating dedicated parks for manufacturers and service providers in oil-producing states, helping to decentralize development and bring infrastructure closer to the grassroots.

Training and capacity-building have also remained central to the Board’s mandate. Thousands of Nigerian youths have been trained in welding, engineering, marine operations, and project management, equipping them for roles previously dominated by expatriates.

Driving Economic Diversification

Experts say the NCDMB’s focus on local content has wider implications for Nigeria’s economy. By promoting indigenous ownership and reducing capital flight, the Board has helped create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and supported the emergence of homegrown engineering firms now competing across Africa.

“The work of the NCDMB goes beyond oil and gas,” said energy analyst Emeka Onwuzurike. “It’s about laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self-reliant economy.”

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its successes, stakeholders note that enforcement remains a concern. Some international oil companies are still said to circumvent local content provisions, and there are calls for stiffer penalties and better monitoring mechanisms.

In addition, with the global energy landscape shifting toward renewables, experts argue that the Board must expand its vision to include local content in emerging green technologies.

Still, the NCDMB’s progress is widely acknowledged. As Nigeria works toward its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy, industry leaders say the Board will play a crucial role in driving sustainable development and industrial growth.

“What began as a policy tool has become a national development engine,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. “The NCDMB has proven that Nigerians can lead, build, and own the future of their energy sector.”

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