Capacity building for Nigeria’s maritime sector received a boost in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 39 young graduates underwent preliminary processes for cadetship under a Nigerian Content-Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) programme of Chevron Nigeria Limited and Intels Nigeria Limited.

The NC-HCD initiative, patterned after the 60:20:20 Strategic Training Model of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), provides for sea time experience and Certificate of Competence (CoC) training, practical exposure, and real-time experience across multiple technical domains within the facilities of the of Lagos-based Stoilic Shipping Limited, a leading member of the International Maritime Professionals Association (IMPA).

Conceived in fulfilment of a policy thrust of the NCDMB to grow indigenous capacity and participation in linkage sectors of the Nigerian economy and enhance employment and government revenues, the NC-HCD programme under the 60:20:20 model envisages job placement for 60 per cent of trainees after successful completion of the 18-month training.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony of the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described human capital development (HCD) as “a non-negotiable pillar of the oil and gas industry’s development road map,” emphasising that stakeholders could build a sector not just fueled by hydrocarbons but powered by indigenous talent.

According to the NCDMB boss, “When we embed HCD into the core of our strategic planning, local content ceases to be an aspiration – it becomes our reality.”

He emphasised that the event, being the commencement of an 18-month Cadetship Training Programme to be handled by Lagos-based Stoilic Group, was more than a routine milestone but “a declaration of our collective commitment to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals” who will shape the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly, the maritime sector.

Engr. Ogbe said the NCDMB has remained steadfast in its conviction that HCD is a critical investment in the sustainability, competitiveness, and domiciliation of in-country value addition activities of the country’s oil and gas value chain, pointing out that the 39 cadets would gain sea time experience and Certificate of Competence (CoC) training, practical exposure and real-time experience across various technical domains.

The NCDMB boss, who was represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its unwavering partnership, noting that the international oil company (IOC) has not only consistently complied with Nigerian Content requirements but shown leadership in embracing the spirit of national capacity building.

He equally acknowledged the critical role of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as a major body for human capacity development in the industry, noting that the Association “has been instrumental in aligning training content, delivery standards, and capacity development frameworks with the actual needs of the industry.”

He also noted that OGTAN has helped to bridge the gap between training and employability, ensuring that trainees do not just learn but are ready to contribute meaningfully to the economic advancement of the country.

Engr. Ogbe also commended training providers and mentors, urging them to give their best, challenge and inspire trainees, and inculcate in them values, discipline and work ethics that would make them stand out in any environment.

In his own remarks, the Capacity Building Advisor of Chevron, Mr. Victor Inyere told the cadets that they have earned their place in the HCD programme through hard work and dedication, and that the opportunity ahead is for them to acquire skills that would shape their careers and position them to contribute to national development.

He commended the NCDMB for its remarkable role in regulation and facilitation of capacity building, assuring the Board that Chevron would “remain committed to advancing Nigerian Content.”

Stoilic Nigeria Limited, represented by its General Manager, Administration, Mrs. Chimamanda Okafor, said its mission is to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector through innovative solutions, professional growth and strict adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Mrs. Okafor disclosed that the company’s cadets achieved 100 per cent pass rate in the Certificate of Competency assessments, and that the company would “place cadets on vessels and open doors for them internationally.”

Looking ahead, she declared, “Stoilic is working on a project to…establish a world-recognised maritime university in Nigeria,” an institution that would “carry strong international partnerships and stand as a marvel in maritime education.”

She said the present batch of trainees has sea time cadets and CoC cadets. Sea time cadets are “graduates who need practical onboard experience before moving on to the next stage of their maritime career,” while CoC are those who had completed that phase of training.

On the NCDMB team at the event were Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Mr. Suleiman Amolegbe, and Ms Ophelia Jackson.

The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Prof. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has canvassed that the $450 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) be increased to US$1billion, to cater for the funding of mega of oil and gas projects, setting up of pipe mills and manufacturing of other critical equipment needed in the oil and gas sector.

He also recommended that oil and gas producing companies should provide timelines for developing oil and gas blocks, same condition for firms that win industry contracts based on commitments of investments.

He made these recommendations and dwelt on similar issues on Monday at the Business Mentorship Lecture Series organised virtually by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The webinar drew nearly 500 participants via Zoom and the Board’s YouTube page.

Kachikwu who served as the Chairman of NCDMB’s Governing Council from September 2016 to May 2019, stated that a larger NCI Fund will provide seed capital for developing blocks, accessing technology, skill sets and equipment. The fund should include contributions from operators, and other investors in the sector and not just government resources, he canvassed.

He regretted that many awardees of oil blocks in Nigeria treat them like certificates of occupancy for land, causing huge losses to the nation. He advised Government to cancel oil blocks that are not developed after a prolonged period.

He said: “We need to find a way to force performance in the industry. Some companies get contracts to import pipelines with proviso to invest locally. We need to begin to produce the equipment locally. You have to show the joint venture that you are setting up to produce pipes, where is the foreign partner with the funds and technology? You need to give a timeline.”

Commenting on the global investments space and how Nigeria can attract funding to the energy sector, the former minister argued that “there is lot of money waiting to be tapped, however it is only going to countries where there is a perception of regularity.”

He opined that Nigeria’s image needs to improve. Government needs to create the right investment climate to attract investment. There is enough investment money out there if you have a holding of hands. They need to portray Nigeria as the place you can put money and get good returns.”

He also argued that Government should consider co-investing with private companies if there are good prospect of returns.

Kachikwu lauded the oil and gas sector’s transformation, with indigenous firms like Seplat, Aiteo, Oando Energy Resources, and Heirs Oil and Gas and others acquiring assets from divesting international oil companies (IOCs).

However, he cautioned that mere ownership transfers are insufficient without enhanced output, management, and revenue returns, as well as compliance with extant laws. “My greatest fear is that without principled accounting, supervision, and effective oversight, indigenous companies may profit while the federal government loses revenue,” he said, stressing the need to involve local communities to avoid past disconnects that fueled conflicts.

The former Minister commended the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe for upholding the agency’s mission and recording significant strides since assuming office. He reflected on his pivotal role in shaping the NCDMB, emphasising that advancing local content was a core pillar of his tenure as Minister and chairman of the NCDMB Board.

He remarked that local content is not just a slogan, but rather a tool for industrialisation, job creation, and knowledge transfer, urging consistency of policies.

“For too long, foreign companies dominated every segment of the sector, while our people remained bystanders,” Kachikwu stated, highlighting how policies under his leadership compelled international oil companies (IOCs) to prioritize Nigerian involvement, fostering the rise of indigenous operators and skilled professionals.

Providing nuggets to players in the sector, Kachikwu said: “My message to young professionals is clear. The oil industry may be facing disruption, but it is also full of opportunities. Careers in petroleum now demand more than technical skills. They require adaptability, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility to both people and the environment.”

He further advised new entrants to understand that “the industry is not just about barrels and dollars; it’s about national survival, community welfare, and the environment,” he said, urging professionals to embrace adaptability amid disruptions.

He also counselled that “achieving your career goals is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and endurance are essential. Self-Belief is Crucial. Confidence in yourself and your abilities will fuel your progress and help you overcome challenges.”

Giving further counsel, he noted that principles matter: Let your ethics and integrity be a guiding light. Build relevant skillsets. Equip yourself with the skills that make you competitive and adaptable in the job market.”

In his welcome address, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, representing the Executive Secretary, underscored the Business Mentorship Lecture Series’ role in fostering trends and mind-sets for excellence.

He said the lecture series was organised in furtherance of the Board’s mandate in sections 67 and 70n of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, to hold workshops and seminars to promote and advance Nigerian Content.

Making the closing remarks, General Manager, Corporate Communications, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, praised Kachikwu for sharing deep insights which benefitted stakeholders across the public and private sector of the energy sector.

He also thanked the guest lecture for his contributions to the NCDMB, recalling his sign-off on the Waltersmith Refinery investment, which became a successful project and the launch of the US$200 million NCI Fund, which has grown into US$450 million, now managed by the Bank of Industry and Nexim Bank.

He added that NCDMB has fully embraced its roles of enabling businesses, in addition to the traditional mandate of regulating and promoting local content. He added that the Board is committed to supporting Nigerians and local oil and gas firms to grow sustainably in the sector, hence it organises the Business Mentorship Lecture Series, which he assured would continue as a key platform for engaging and educating stakeholders of the industry.

He encouraged interested listeners to visit NCDMB’s YouTube channel to watch the recording of the webinar.