NCDMB, NLNG Ramp Up Human Capital Development as $10bn Train 7 Project Nears Completion
…140 Young Nigerians Begin Advanced Technical Training on Bonny Island
As the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 Project reaches an impressive 80% completion milestone, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and NLNG have ramped up efforts to deepen human capital development (HCD) in the oil and gas sector. On Wednesday, both institutions flagged off an intensive three-month Advanced Human Capital Development training program for 140 newly inducted Nigerian trainees in Port Harcourt.
The programme marks a critical step in the on-the-job training phase of the NC-HCD initiative, which aims to equip Nigerian graduates with hands-on technical and operational skills to support one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. The Train 7 Project, valued at $10 billion, is being developed on Bonny Island, Rivers State, and is expected to significantly expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity.
Addressing the trainees, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe—represented by the Board’s Manager for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Tarilate Teide-Bribena—described the program as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s energy future.” He noted that over 400 Nigerians have already undergone basic training in technical and vocational areas aligned with oil and gas industry needs.
“Today’s launch of the on-the-job component underscores our collective commitment to building world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of our oil and gas industry,” Engr. Ogbe said. “These young Nigerians will now gain real-time exposure to operations such as Turn Around Maintenance, commissioning, and other technical processes directly on NLNG facilities.”
He commended NLNG for its leadership in embracing national content goals and consistently driving capacity development. He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) in aligning training standards with industry realities.
NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, expressed gratitude to NCDMB for its robust partnership. She reiterated NLNG’s commitment to empowering local talent, especially as the highly technical Train 7 Project nears final completion.
“These trainings are timely and vital. As Train 7 incorporates cutting-edge technology, we need a strong, skilled workforce ready to operate and maintain these systems,” Dr. Horsfall stated.
Since November 2024, NLNG has trained hundreds of Nigerians in fields such as facility management, welding and fabrication, ICT, quality control, data analytics, and supply chain management. The latest batch will begin hands-on work at the Bonny Island facility from June 16, 2025.
NLNG’s Nigerian Content Manager, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, concluded the inauguration by urging the trainees to remain focused throughout their three-month program. “This is an opportunity to distinguish yourselves and contribute meaningfully to the sector,” he advised.
With the Final Investment Decision for Train 7 having been signed in December 2019, the project is seen as a gamechanger that will boost Nigeria’s LNG output and create long-term economic value—anchored by skilled local manpower developed through such HCD initiatives.
