By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | October 18, 2026
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, has launched a human capacity development programme to train 48 Nigerians in specialised subsea engineering.
The programme is designed to bridge critical skills gaps, strengthen indigenous technical expertise and increase local participation in high-value activities within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The kick-off ceremony was held on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of the Board’s efforts to develop skilled Nigerian professionals for offshore and deepwater operations.
The training programme comprises six months of classroom instruction and six months of structured on-the-job training, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in subsea engineering.
The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, as well as computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD).
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, FNSE, represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Ms. Emelle Alexis, said the initiative would equip the trainees with the technical expertise required to handle complex subsea operations and ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.
Ogbe described the programme as the beginning of a transformational journey for the 48 participants, noting that subsea engineering is a highly specialised field that demands precision, discipline and accountability.
“Through intensive classroom instruction and structured on-the-job training, the participants will gain hands-on experience in subsea engineering,” he said.
He emphasised that technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety were essential requirements for successful subsea operations.
According to him, the skills the trainees would acquire were critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities.
Beyond technical proficiency, Ogbe said the programme was designed to develop the participants’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork, professionalism and commitment to safety.
He urged the trainees to maximise the opportunity by demonstrating the discipline, dedication and commitment required to succeed in the oil and gas industry.
The NCDMB chief expressed confidence that the participants would complete the programme with the technical capabilities and professional standards needed to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In his remarks, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous skills and strengthening local capacity in the industry.
Osiwo noted that a skilled Nigerian workforce was essential to the successful delivery of ongoing and future energy infrastructure projects, as well as the sustained growth of the oil and gas sector.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Engr. Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the initiative as a strategic investment by Heritage Energy, NCDMB and Global Oceon in developing indigenous expertise in subsea engineering.
He stressed that the availability of skilled local professionals was vital to the safe and reliable operation of offshore and deepwater infrastructure.
The trainees expressed appreciation to the partner organisations for the opportunity to acquire specialised skills in subsea engineering. They identified safety training and AutoCAD as important areas of learning under the programme.
The initiative is part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development programmes, which are designed to address critical skills shortages and prepare Nigerians for specialised roles in the oil and gas industry.
It also supports the Board’s broader efforts to develop indigenous expertise for offshore and deepwater operations, facilitate technology transfer and expand Nigerian participation in high-value industry activities.
By combining classroom learning with practical workplace experience, the programme is expected to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian professionals to undertake specialised technical responsibilities and contribute to the development of the country’s energy industry.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, alongside the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.
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