The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to commence a comprehensive digitalization training programme that will target 3,700 youths across the country. The initiative, launched under the NCDMB Digitalization Initiative (NDI), aims to equip young Nigerians with vital digital skills to thrive in the present and future phases of industrial revolution.
Speaking on the programme, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, highlighted the increasing adoption of advanced technologies within the oil and gas industry and related sectors. He listed Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Robotics, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Drones, and Blockchain-based data exchange as some of the key tools transforming the sector.
According to Ogbe, the shift towards digitisation is enabling players to improve productivity, enhance cost optimisation, and operate with lower carbon emissions. He added that digital transformation in the industry also supports remote operations, lean structures, preventive facility management, and automation of business processes.
“The Board is fully committed to its mandate of preparing and empowering the Nigerian oil and gas industry supply chain to remain relevant in the new digital oil and gas landscape,” Ogbe stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Corporate Services, NCDMB, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, explained that the programme was designed to give young Nigerians the right opportunities to play critical roles in the oil and gas value chain. He noted that the Digitalization Initiative (NDI) specifically targets youth within the 35-year age bracket, adding that resources have been directed to areas that create rapid value, build sustainable growth, and expand digital expertise.
According to details provided by the Board, the training will cover all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory over a period of three years. Participants will be exposed to digital tools and trained in the design and development of market-relevant solutions that can drive innovation in the sector.
The pilot phase of the programme will involve 100 candidates, who will be selected through the NOGIC JQS portal, which serves as the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s database for human and material capacities. Candidates are required to undergo a pre-selection test scheduled to take place across the six geopolitical zones.
The test dates include South East in Umuahia on September 30, South South in Warri on October 3, South West in Lagos on October 6, North East in Kaduna on October 6, North Central in Minna on October 9, and North West in Taraba on October 9.
NCDMB noted that these exercises will mark the official beginning of what it described as a transformative journey for Nigerian youths in digitalization and technology adoption.