The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a groundbreaking Digitization Initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through advanced digital training and youth empowerment.
The South-West edition of the program, which took place in Lagos, marks the official rollout of the initiative across the country. The program is designed to equip young Nigerians with cutting-edge digital, data analytics, and software skills essential for driving innovation and efficiency in the energy sector.
Sponsored by Seplat Energy Plc in partnership with NCDMB’s Human Capacity Development Division and implemented by Unique Ocean Limited, the initiative reflects the Board’s renewed commitment to promoting digital transformation, local content development, and professional excellence. Similar editions are expected to hold across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Representing the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, NCDMB’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, through Manager of Services Utilization, Mohammed Ahmed, congratulated the 20 selected participants and described the program as a transformative journey.
“This program is the product of careful planning and collaboration. Every participant must be fully committed for the entire 18-month duration because this is not just training, it is a journey to redefine your career in the oil and gas industry,” Ahmed stated.
He emphasized that the initiative directly supports NCDMB’s vision to close critical skill gaps and make Nigerian professionals globally competitive in emerging digital fields.
“We want you to see yourselves not as students but as professionals. The curriculum is rigorous but rewarding, and your success will shape the future of digital capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he added.
Also speaking, Letty Agala from NCDMB’s Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate outlined the Code of Conduct governing participants, stressing the importance of discipline, accountability, and professional ethics. She warned that absenteeism without approval would attract sanctions, adding that each participant must represent the Board’s standards in behaviour and work ethic.
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To ensure smooth progress, the Board established a monthly reporting structure to track performance and maintain regular communication between trainees and NCDMB officials.
Program Manager of Unique Ocean Limited, Emmanuel Adeshola, gave an overview of the curriculum, explaining that the training bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. He revealed that participants would engage in practical projects, including developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for equipment maintenance within the oil and gas sector.
The program adopts a blended learning model combining virtual and physical sessions, with participants dedicating 15 to 20 hours weekly. It comprises three main phases: the 12-week Foundation Phase focused on essential digital literacy; a 14-week Advanced Phase emphasizing Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Software Development; and an Incubation Phase lasting up to 18 months, where participants undergo industry placements or receive start-up launch support.
Participants will also enjoy robust welfare benefits such as accommodation, health insurance, new laptops, and monthly stipends, with NCDMB’s investment estimated at over N20 million per trainee.
Principal Consultant at Unique Ocean, Olayanju Olasunkanmi, described the initiative as “a professional engagement rather than a classroom exercise,” urging participants to approach it with dedication.
“NCDMB’s investment in you is significant. You are not just trainees, you are innovators in training. This is your chance to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s technological and economic growth,” Olasunkanmi said.
The Digitization Initiative forms part of NCDMB’s wider Human Capacity Development Program designed to boost local participation and digital readiness in Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem. Through such programs, the Board continues to position Nigerian youths at the forefront of global technological advancement and sustainable industry transformation.
