By Sandra Chukwunyere
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 subsea engineering.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, GeneralManager, Corporate Communications Division, NCDMB, the programme aims to address critical skills gaps in the oil and gas industry and strengthen indigenous technical expertise for offshore and deepwater operations.
The partners launched the initiative at a kick-off ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, October 16, 2026.
The training programme will run for 12 months, comprising six months of classroom instruction and six months of structured on-the-job training. Participants will acquire specialised knowledge and practical experience in subsea engineering.
The curriculum covers risers and hydrodynamics engineering, offshore structures design and engineering, pipeline engineering, and 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 programme would equip participants with the technical expertise required for complex subsea operations.
Ogbe said the training would prepare the beneficiaries to contribute to the safe, efficient and reliable operation of modern oil and gas facilities.
“Today marks the beginning of a transformational journey for 48 young Nigerians in 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.
The NCDMB chief stressed that subsea operations require technical competence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safety.
He explained that the programme would develop participants’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork and professional conduct alongside their technical skills.
“The competencies you acquire through this programme are critical to the safe, efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of modern oil and gas facilities. Beyond technical proficiency, the training is designed to develop your problem-solving skills, teamwork, professionalism and commitment to safety,” he stated.
Ogbe urged the trainees to maximise the opportunity and demonstrate the discipline and commitment required to succeed in the oil and gas industry.
He expressed confidence that the participants would emerge with the technical skills and professional standards needed to contribute to the sector.
In his remarks, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Heritage Energy, Felix Osiwo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous skills.
Osiwo said a skilled Nigerian workforce remained essential to delivering current and future energy infrastructure projects and sustaining growth in the industry.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited, George Ebuh, represented by Engr. Ifedolapo Aderibigbe, described the programme as a strategic investment by NCDMB, Heritage Energy and Global Oceon in developing indigenous subsea engineering expertise.
Ebuh noted that skilled Nigerian professionals played a vital role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of offshore and deepwater infrastructure.
The trainees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to acquire specialised subsea engineering skills. They identified safety training and AutoCAD as important areas of learning.
The programme forms part of NCDMB’s Top 10 Field Readiness Human Capacity Development initiatives, which seek to address critical skills gaps in the oil and gas industry.
Through the initiative, the Board seeks to develop specialised Nigerian expertise for offshore and deepwater operations, facilitate technology transfer and increase local participation in high-value industry activities.
Representatives of NCDMB, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Global Oceon Engineers Nigeria Limited attended the ceremony alongside the trainees, facilitators and other industry stakeholders.
