The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to officially to begin the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) set to hold in July 2026, in order to professionalise human capacity development and strengthen local expertise in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The regulatory Body revealed the information during a Sensitization Workshop on the new certification regime held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event, hosted at the Golden Tulip Hotel on Evo Road, GRA II, attracted representatives from 52 training organisations.
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Abayomi Bamidele, Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, said the NCTRC covers 11 industry-relevant specialisations in both technical and soft skills. It seeks to create a definitive framework that reserves training programmes for resource persons with requisite academic qualifications, technical backgrounds, and professional experience.
Bamidele noted that less than 10 per cent of Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) members currently secure human capacity development opportunities despite investments in facilities, describing the situation as unsatisfactory.
He solicited OGTAN’s input to refine the framework, emphasising the need for a fair platform for all trainers. Barr. Olugbenga Ashafa, General Manager of Infrastructure, described the initiative as vital for addressing in-country capacity gaps, standardising training facilities, and ensuring competitive, sustainable service delivery. The NCTRC is expected to drive investment in local capabilities, maximise opportunities, and retain industry spend within Nigeria.
Mr. Salim Musa provided an overview of guidelines and eligibility, while Mrs. Abosede Oladejo of Vascon Solutions demonstrated the application process linked to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS). Participants raised questions on accreditation and validity, with Dr. Alex Umahi suggesting the certificate be valid for three years instead of two.
OGTAN leaders commended the Board’s efforts toward standards and professionalism.
The move forms part of broader strategies to build a highly skilled and globally competitive Nigerian workforce in the evolving oil and gas sector.
