The Chevron Nigeria Limited/ Intels Nigeria Limited joint venture at the weekend in Port Harcourt opened training for 39 young graduates on preliminary processes for cadetship under a Nigerian Content-Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) programme.
The NC-HCD initiative, patterned after the 60:20:20 strategic training model of the NCDMB, provides for sea time experience and certificate of competence training, practical exposure, and real-time experience across multiple technical domains within the facilities of Lagos-based Stoilic Shipping Limited, a leading member of the International Maritime Professionals Association (IMPA).
A statement issued on Monday, signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division of NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the program is conceived in fulfillment of a policy thrust of the NCDMB to grow indigenous capacity and participation in linkage sectors of the Nigerian economy and enhance employment and government revenues.
The statement said the NC-HCD programme under the 60:20:20 model envisages job placement for 60 percent of trainees after successful completion of the 18-month training.
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony of the programme, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, described human capital development as a non-negotiable pillar of the oil and gas industry’s development road map, emphasizing that stakeholders could build a sector not just fueled by hydrocarbons but powered by indigenous talent.
“When we embedded human capital development into the core of our strategic planning, local content ceases to be an aspiration; it becomes our reality,” Ogbe said.
He emphasized that the event, being the commencement of an 18-month cadetship training programme to be handled by Lagos-based Stoilic Group, was more than a routine milestone but “a declaration of our collective commitment to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals” who will shape the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly the maritime sector.
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Ogbe said the NCDMB has remained steadfast in its conviction that human capital development is a critical investment in the sustainability, competitiveness, and domiciliation of in-country value addition activities of the country’s oil and gas value chain, pointing out that the 39 cadets would gain sea time experience and certificate of competence training, practical exposure, and real-time experience across various technical domains.
The NCDMB boss, who was represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Esueme Kikile, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its unwavering partnership, noting that the international oil company has not only consistently complied with Nigerian content requirements but has also shown leadership in embracing the spirit of national capacity building.
He equally acknowledged the critical role of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as a major body for human capacity development in the industry, noting that the association “has been instrumental in aligning training content, delivery standards, and capacity development frameworks with the actual needs of the industry.”
He also noted that OGTAN has helped to bridge the gap between training and employability, ensuring that trainees do not just learn but are ready to contribute meaningfully to the economic advancement of the country.
Ogbe also commended training providers and mentors, urging them to give their best, challenge and inspire trainees, and inculcate in them values, discipline, and work ethics that would make them stand out in any environment.
The Capacity Building Advisor of Chevron, Mr. Victor Inyere, told the cadets that they have earned their place in the human capital development programme through hard work and dedication, and that the opportunity ahead is for them to acquire skills that would shape their careers and position them to contribute to national development.
He commended the NCDMB for its remarkable role in regulation and facilitation of capacity building, assuring the board that Chevron would remain committed to advancing Nigerian content.
Stoilic Nigeria Limited, represented by its General Manager, Administration, Mrs. Chimamanda Okafor, said its mission is to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector through innovative solutions, professional growth, and strict adherence to safety and environmental standards.
Mrs. Okafor disclosed that the company’s cadets achieved a 100 percent pass rate in the certificate of competency assessment, and that the company would place cadets on vessels and open doors for them internationally.
