The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), has launched a 12-month Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme designed to equip young Nigerians with specialised competencies required to support supply base operations in the country’s oil and gas industry.

The programme, which commenced on Tuesday at the LADOL Free Zone in Apapa, Lagos, is expected to provide intensive training for 12 selected beneficiaries through a structured blend of classroom instruction and hands-on industry exposure in critical areas supporting logistics, trade, procurement and supply chain operations.

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Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Ms. Alexis Emelle, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital and the future of the nation’s energy industry.

According to her, the programme goes beyond conventional skills acquisition, representing a deliberate effort to build a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the oil and gas sector while creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians in specialised areas of the industry.

She noted that the initiative reflects the Board’s continued commitment to developing indigenous capacity and ensuring that Nigerians are adequately prepared to participate competitively in high-value segments of the energy value chain.

Emelle urged the beneficiaries to approach the programme with seriousness, discipline and dedication, stressing that their selection into the highly competitive programme came with significant responsibility.

“The industry requires professionals who are dependable, adaptable and solution-oriented,” she said, adding that every lesson, assignment and practical experience offered during the programme should be viewed as an opportunity to build not only technical competence but also character and professionalism.

She reiterated that NCDMB remains committed to implementing programmes that align human capacity development with industry requirements, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s local content capabilities and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s workforce.

Speaking on behalf of SNEPCo, the company’s Nigerian Content Manager, Mr. Obiajulu Onochie, described human capital development as a critical component of operational excellence and sustainable growth in the energy industry.

He observed that the achievements recorded in Nigeria’s local content drive are closely linked to the strategic interventions of NCDMB and commended the Board for establishing itself as one of the country’s most professional institutions in the area of capacity development.

Onochie disclosed that SNEPCo has continued to demonstrate its commitment to developing Nigerian talent through the implementation of several training programmes this year in specialised areas including cybersecurity, NEBOSH certification, blockchain architecture and subsea operations.

He maintained that sustained investment in human capital remains essential for building a resilient and sustainable energy industry, adding that SNEPCo would continue to support initiatives that expand opportunities for Nigerian professionals.

A representative of LADOL, in remarks delivered at the event, underscored the significance of the Nigerian Content policy to the growth and sustainability of indigenous enterprises within the oil and gas industry.

According to the representative, the success story of LADOL itself is closely tied to the implementation of local content policies, noting that without the Nigerian Content framework, “LADOL would not exist in its present form.”

The representative reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting programmes aimed at strengthening indigenous capacity and preparing young Nigerians for productive and rewarding careers in the energy sector.

Officials disclosed that the 12 participants emerged through a rigorous two-stage selection process designed to identify candidates with the potential to excel in specialised supply base operations. The beneficiaries will undergo intensive training focused on developing practical competencies required to support logistics and supply chain operations while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s local content ecosystem.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr. Olaniye Sodiq expressed appreciation to NCDMB, SNEPCo, LADOL and the various training partners for investing in their professional development.

He said the beneficiaries were committed to making the most of the opportunity and looked forward to applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to contribute meaningfully to LADOL and the broader Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The Human Capacity Development initiative represents another milestone in NCDMB’s strategy of building sustainable local capacity through industry-driven training programmes, while creating pathways for young Nigerians to access high-value employment opportunities and strengthen indigenous participation across the nation’s energy sector.