NCDMB to start certification for oil and gas trainers

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will begin giving out the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC). This is part of its plan to boost local skills and raise professional standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at a workshop with the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) in Lagos.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, spoke at the event through Sheba Olugbenga, the General Manager of the Infrastructure and Capacity Building Directorate. He said the NCTRC aims to create a clear system for trainer certification. This will ensure that only skilled professionals help develop the workforce in the industry.

He pointed out that the quality of skilled workers in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector depends on the trainers who prepare them. This certification program is crucial for sustainable development of Nigerian Content.

Ogbe mentioned that fast changes in technology and industry needs have increased the demand for solid and standard training in the country. He said, "The constantly changing services and requirements in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, driven by technological advancements and smart innovations, have created the need for strategic and sustainable in-country capacity development and standardization."

Caution for Applicants

During a session with attendees, Abayomi Bamidele, the Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, warned applicants not to use middlemen who promise to speed up the certification process. He stressed that the registration is free and urged trainers to apply directly to avoid being cheated.

Bamidele also shared that they are working to add chosen training tools and course templates into the Nigerian Content Academy (NCA). This academy focuses on sharing knowledge and building capacity. The added resources will help service and operating companies provide specialized training for their workers.

He praised OGTAN for its ongoing partnership with NCDMB. This collaboration helps young graduates prepare for jobs in the oil and gas sector and supports training needs assessments that improve the certification process.

The Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate will cover eleven areas of expertise. This will include both technical skills and soft skills that are important in the industry.