On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) celebrated a significant milestone with the conclusion of the NCDMB/Shell/PETAN Internship and Hands-on Training Programme. The closeout ceremony, held at the PETAN office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was led by Mr. Timbiri Augustine, General Manager of Capacity Building at NCDMB.
The two-year internship programme, which commenced in October 2022 and concluded in October 2024, equipped 49 trainees with hands-on industry experience. Impressively, 31 of these trainees have secured employment with member companies of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), demonstrating the programme's effectiveness in bridging skill gaps within the oil and gas industry. A total of 18 PETAN companies participated in this initiative, underscoring the commitment of industry stakeholders to foster Nigerian talent.
In his remarks, Mr. Timbiri Augustine commended PETAN and Shell for their resilience and dedication in ensuring the programme's success, despite challenges encountered at its onset. He also extended his appreciation to the participating PETAN companies for not only training the interns but also offering employment to a significant number of them. Furthermore, Mr. Augustine praised the trainees for their determination, discipline, and professionalism throughout the programme.
Representing PETAN at the event, Chairman Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, along with other executives and company representatives, lauded the collaboration between PETAN, Shell, and NCDMB. Shell's delegation included Engr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, General Manager for Nigerian Content, and Engr. Kenechukwu Akubue, Manager of Nigerian Content, who highlighted the importance of such programmes in fostering local expertise and contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The NCDMB team was represented by Moses Okonte-Jonah and Dr. Mpigi Gbenekanu, who both reiterated the Board’s commitment to building the capacity of Nigerian professionals.
This internship programme represents a remarkable achievement in Nigerian content development and a shining example of public-private collaboration in nurturing the next generation of industry professionals.
