Halliburton, A/Ibom open Oil & Gas Training and Research Centre

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has applauded Halliburton (Landmark) Energy Services Nigeria for partnering with the Government of Akwa Ibom State and Hobark Group of Companies to establish a world class Oil and Gas Training and Research Centre, to upscale the capacities of young Nigerians with skills required in the Oil and Gas Sector.

The Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Training and Research Centre is located at the Ibom E-Library in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and is the first center in Nigeria and sub-saharan Africa fully equipped with oilfield tools and equipment to runs basic, standard and advanced courses in field development, drilling, completions, well intervention, digital technology and associated  disciplines.

In his address at the event, the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote described the facility as an indication of the oil and gas sector’s domiciliation and domestication strategy, particularly in human capacity development and expressed hope that the centre would help to reverse the capital flight associated with seeking technical trainings outside the country. He urged operators and oil and gas service providers to utilize the facility for technical trainings of their personnel and promised to send staff of the Board to undergo trainings at the facility.

Wabote commended the partnership between Halliburton with Hobark Group and the Akwa Ibom State Government and disclosed that the Board has embarked on a similar partnership in the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) located in Ikwe-Onna Local Government Area of the state. He noted that the engineering design for the facility was being developed and when completed, the park will host manufacturing concerns and generate over 2,000 jobs.

He maintained that Nigeria occupies an enviable position among African countries with oil and gas deposits and has with the potential and capacity to provide trainings for more than 3,000 students and employees in a year.

In his welcome address, Area Vice President/Managing Director, Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria, Mr. Henry Oki thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government and NCDMB for supporting the initiative. The plan he said, is for the center to serve as the hub for oil and gas capacity development in the Sub-Saharan region.

Managing Director, Hobark Group of Companies, Engr. Obi Okoroafor also promised to support the centre to develop new talents in the oil and gas industry. He further sought more support from the NCDMB, Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and patronage by key stakeholders of the industry.

In his goodwill message, Managing Director, Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Diepiriye Tariah stated that the centre will be useful to all players in the oil and gas industry and promised that NNPC will disseminate information to all players of sector so that it will be utilized effectively.