No fewer than 33 young graduates of engineering, geology and related disciplines have underwent opening formalities for a 12-month training programme in pipeline engineering, corrosion control and monitoring in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt.
The training is geared towards developing expertise for protection and sustenance of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Organised under the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and MJD Oilfield Services Limited Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC HCD) Training Programme, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Among other things, the trainees will have classroom technical sessions, simulation-based learning, field demonstrations, on-the-job training, mentorship and coaching, case study reviews, and continuous assessment and evaluation.
These were contained in a press release by the NCDMB and made available to Maritime Bits recently.
Expected outcomes of the programme include skilled project-ready personnel, measurable local content impact, creation of pipeline integrity talent pool, and long-term infrastructure reliability.
NCDMB Manager, Human Capital Development, NCDMB, Mrs. Tarilate Bribena-Teide who represented the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe said pipeline pigging, a process involving insertion of devices called pigs into pipelines for cleaning, gauging, and so on in order to ensure integrity of the system, and corrosion control, protect the pipelines, prevent costly failures, and safeguard the environment and the economy.
She noted that the expertise gained from the training would position trainees to contribute meaningfully to major national projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, measuring 614 kilometres, and many others, which as she explained, accords with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry, and create opportunities that drive national growth.
The HCD Manager expressed appreciation to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited for its partnership with NCDMB and commitment to developing Nigerian talent. She urged the trainees to approach the programme with discipline and determination, noting that lessons gained would shape them into professionals capable of solving real industry problems.
A representative of Renaissance Africa, Engr. Funso Alabi in his remarks, thanked NCDMB profoundly for its support to the company and for all it has done toward growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
While highlighting the extraordinary achievements recorded in HCD since inception of the Board, with Nigerians occupying key positions in industry and others doing so well abroad, he said, “NCDMB has done so much” and that “the Board is turning Nigeria into a great nation.”
He also thanked MJD Oilfield Services for the calibre of trainers assembled to run the training programme.
The Managing Director, MJD, Mr. Olayemi Familusi expressed gratitude to NCDMB and Renaissance, noting that changes in the oil and gas industry brought about by NCDMB initiatives are everywhere, particularly in the development of indigenous companies and human resources.
The Project Manager of MJD, Chief Austin Ugbunaia on his part, thanked the Board and Renaissance for the opportunity to play a part in capacity development, while assuring them of quality training and exposure for the trainees.
