NCDMB to Train Over 10,000 Nigerians in High-Demand Oil and Gas Skills

The NCDMB launches a new Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program to equip 10,000 Nigerians with top in-demand energy skills for the future of Nigeria’s oil industry.

Empowering Nigerians for the Future of Oil and Gas

As major oil and gas projects gain momentum in Nigeria, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has taken a bold step to empower the nation’s youth. Through its newly launched Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program, the agency aims to train over 10,000 Nigerians in high-demand technical and digital skills essential to the evolving energy landscape.

This initiative is not just about training—it’s about creating opportunities, building local capacity, and ensuring Nigerians are well-prepared to participate in the next wave of investments reshaping the nation’s oil and gas industry.

About the NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program

The NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program is a key part of the board’s Human Capital Development (HCD) initiative. According to NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the program will help bridge critical skill gaps within the oil and gas workforce, ensuring that Nigerian professionals are ready to fill roles previously dominated by expatriates.

This initiative supports the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which mandates that Nigerians should be given first consideration for employment and training opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

You can learn more about the NOGICD Act on the official NCDMB website.

Top 10 High-Demand Skills for the Program

The NCDMB identified the top 10 most sought-after skills through consultations with key industry stakeholders, including the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS).

The training will focus on the following areas:

Sub-sea Engineering – covering wellheads, flowlines, umbilicals, and sub-sea trees.
Underwater Welding – specialized deep-sea welding techniques.
Control and Automation Engineering – cementing, rig operations, and well control systems.
Helicopter Piloting – training for aviation services in offshore operations.
Seamanship and Vessel Operations – marine electrical and mechanical systems.
Production and Maintenance Engineering – including control room and maintenance roles.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) – with NDT certifications (Levels 1–3).
Geoscience Engineering – seismic interpretation, geophysics, and wellsite geology.
Digital Transformation Skills – AI, machine learning, IoT, Big Data, and cloud computing.
Oil and Gas Field Readiness Essentials – preparing trainees for field operations.

These skills reflect the evolving needs of Nigeria’s energy transition, combining traditional engineering expertise with emerging digital technologies.

Eligibility and Application Process

The training program is open only to Nigerians under 35 years old who hold OND, HND, or BSc degrees in any of the following disciplines:

Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Civil, Gas, Welding, or Metallurgy
Geology, Geophysics, Computer Science, or other science-related fields

How to Apply

To apply for the NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program, follow these steps via the NOGIC Joint Qualification System (JQS):

New Applicants:
- Create an account on the portal.
- Update your profile and academic records.
- Register for the NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program.
Applicants with Incomplete Profiles:
- Log in to the NOGIC JQS portal.
- Update your personal and academic details.
- Proceed to register for the training.
Applicants with Complete Profiles:
- Simply log in and select the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Program to finalize registration.

Participants can choose up to three preferred skills in order of priority.

Program Duration and Implementation

According to Engr. Bamidele Abayomi, NCDMB’s Director of Capacity Building, the skills gap closure program will be implemented over a two-to-three-year period. The board will continuously assess industry trends to determine whether the current list of high-demand skills should be expanded or refined.

This adaptive approach ensures that Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce remains competitive, aligned with global energy standards, and ready for future job opportunities both locally and internationally.

Why This Program Matters

This initiative demonstrates NCDMB’s commitment to developing local capacity and empowering Nigerian youth. As Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) in new oil projects surge, the demand for skilled professionals in subsea engineering, automation, and digital oilfield technologies is expected to skyrocket.

By participating in this training, young Nigerians can position themselves for high-paying, future-proof careers in the oil and gas sector — a vital step toward reducing unemployment and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

For updates and further opportunities, follow the NCDMB Official News Page.

A Call to Action for Nigeria’s Future Professionals

The NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program offers a life-changing opportunity for young Nigerians looking to build successful careers in one of the nation’s most dynamic industries. With over 10,000 training slots, this program is a gateway to hands-on experience, international-standard certifications, and global career pathways.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Visit the NOGIC JQS portal today and apply for the program that will shape your professional future.