Empowering Nigerian Youths Through Technical Training
In a continued effort to enhance local content and improve youth employability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has successfully completed a specialized training program on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and Fire Alarm Systems. This initiative has equipped 50 Nigerian youths with practical technical skills, preparing them for immediate deployment in the industry or for entrepreneurial ventures.
The closing ceremony took place in Egbokodo, Warri, Delta State, marking a significant achievement in NCDMB’s mission to develop human capacity. The event aimed to promote technical proficiency and sustainable empowerment among host communities, aligning with the board’s broader goals.
During the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, was represented by Dr. Abraham Apereseimokomo Alfred, Supervisor, Strategy and Transformation Project/Board Projects. Dr. Alfred commended the trainees for their dedication and discipline throughout the program.
“This training is a strategic investment in our young people. We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian youths not only gain knowledge but also acquire hands-on skills that can create jobs, sustain livelihoods, and strengthen local participation in the oil and gas value chain.”
He emphasized that the training reflects the Board’s consistent focus on developing human capacity as a key pillar of the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap. This roadmap aims to achieve 70 percent in-country value retention by 2027.
“Our objective is not only to build competencies but to empower these trainees to become employers of labor. With the right skills and mindset, they can support the industry’s safety infrastructure through CCTV and fire alarm installation, while also offering their services commercially.”
Each of the 50 participants received a comprehensive start-up toolkit designed to aid immediate practice and self-reliance after the training. These kits include modern equipment for CCTV and fire alarm installation, enabling the participants to apply their new skills either as entrepreneurs or skilled technicians within the oil and gas ecosystem.
The CCTV and Fire Alarm Systems training is part of NCDMB’s broader capacity-building portfolio. Over the years, the Board has trained thousands of Nigerians across various technical disciplines, including welding, marine operations, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and industrial automation.
The Board continues to collaborate with industry stakeholders and training institutions to ensure that the skills developed align with industry demands and global best practices.
“Local content development goes beyond policies and regulations. It is about creating tangible impact, empowering real people with real skills that make a difference.”
Dr. Alfred, who presented the certificates and start-up packages on behalf of the Executive Secretary, encouraged the graduates to be ambassadors of excellence in their future engagements.
“You have been equipped with a skill set that is relevant, marketable, and in demand,” he told the trainees. “We expect you to deploy it responsibly, contribute to national productivity and help expand the frontiers of local content.”
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and starter kits to the beneficiaries, accompanied by cheers and gratitude from participants. Many expressed their appreciation for what they described as “a life-changing opportunity.”
“Before now, I had no clear career direction,” said one of the beneficiaries, Kingsley Akpobome. “Today, I can install and maintain CCTV and fire alarm systems professionally. I’m confident that this skill will open doors for me.”
Key Outcomes of the Training Program
- Skill Development: The program focused on equipping participants with practical skills in CCTV and fire alarm systems, essential for safety and security in the oil and gas industry.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: By providing start-up toolkits, the NCDMB aims to encourage participants to explore entrepreneurial ventures, thereby contributing to the economy.
- Industry Alignment: The training is part of a broader strategy to align technical skills with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and capable of meeting current market demands.
- Community Impact: The initiative emphasizes the importance of local content development, aiming to empower communities and foster sustainable growth within the oil and gas sector.
