By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) have renewed their commitment to strengthening workforce capacity and addressing the growing challenge of talent retention in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of OGTAN to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the NUPRC.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, stressed the need for deliberate efforts to retain skilled professionals amid the growing migration of talent from the industry.
She said the sector must invest in structured career development programmes, mentorship initiatives and succession planning to preserve institutional knowledge while preparing the next generation of industry leaders.
According to Eyesan, addressing workforce challenges requires a collective approach involving regulators, professional associations, trade unions, training institutions and other key stakeholders.
She noted that stronger collaboration would enable the industry to develop common standards, share best practices and implement practical solutions that would strengthen workforce capacity, improve competitiveness and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In his remarks, the National President of OGTAN, Mr. Chris Osarumwense, underscored the importance of aligning training programmes with the actual needs of the oil and gas industry.
He said training institutions must design curricula that reflect the competencies required for different job roles to ensure graduates acquire practical, workplace-ready skills that meet industry expectations.
According to him, building a highly competent workforce begins with equipping trainees with relevant skills that can be applied directly in the workplace to support the industry’s growth and future demands.
The meeting ended with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce, strengthening local capacity and supporting the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.
