The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has kicked off its pilot machinist training for fifteen trainees at the Nigerian Naval Engineering College in Sapele, Delta State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Ernest Nwapa explained that developing human capacity building was one of the key mandates of the Board enshrined in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development(NOGICD) Act.
He further stated that the goal of the programme is to expose and train youths in machine operations so as to add in-country value and avoid capital fight.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Deputy Manager, Capacity Building Division, Engr. Frank Ibi, reiterated that the training was aimed at improving the trainees’ abilities and make them useful for the Nigerian economy.
According to him, the Board had sponsored various training exercises in order to improve manpower and boost in-country capacity, adding that plans are afoot to attach the students to firms where they would gain practical experience after their six months training at the college.
In his remarks, the Commandant, Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Rear Admiral A.A Yusuf commended the Board for its commitment to develop manpower in the oil and gas sector, adding that machinist training was timely and needful
Yusuf reiterated that the training will benefit the Nigerian economy and reduce dependence on foreign manpower to drive the economy.
In his words, “this training validates the commitment of the Board to the development of needed manpower in furtherance of the local content initiative of the Federal Government and is another initiative that will reposition the Nigerian economy and reduce dependence on foreign manpower to drive our economy.”
