One hundred young Nigerian graduates from various academic fields have begun the 2025/2027 NCDMB/PETAN/Renaissance Graduate Internship Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). The programme is designed to equip youths with critical skills, exposure, and practical knowledge needed in the oil and gas industry.
The graduates, drawn from disciplines such as engineering, geology, information and communication technology (ICT), and natural sciences, will be deployed to PETAN member companies for structured, targeted, and industry-relevant training. The initiative aims to strengthen local content participation and enhance employment opportunities within the energy sector.
Speaking at the programme’s kick-off ceremony held at the Renaissance Residential Area Club Hall in Port Harcourt, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the initiative as “a strategic contribution to the national effort toward deepening human capacity development and promoting sustainable local participation within Nigeria’s energy value chain.”
Ogbe, who was represented by the General Manager, Human Capacity Development (HCD), Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, emphasised that while infrastructure and asset ownership are crucial, human capacity development remains the cornerstone of the NCDMB’s mandate. He explained that the Board would continue to support initiatives that promote knowledge transfer, skill enhancement, and capacity retention within the country.
According to him, “The Board remains resolute in its vision of a globally competitive and technologically advanced Nigerian energy industry anchored on robust local participation.” He commended Renaissance Africa Energy, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and PETAN for sustaining the internship programme, which began under SPDC and has now reached its second edition.
Engr. Ogbe also praised the leadership and commitment of the partners for aligning with the national content development agenda. He encouraged the interns to make the most of the opportunity, stating that they “represent the next generation of professionals who will sustain Nigeria’s energy future.” He added that the skills and values they would gain from the programme would form part of the country’s strategic human capital asset.
In a joint presentation on the programme’s objectives and expected outcomes, two PETAN representatives, Dr. Okey Ukaegbu and Mr. Chinedu Maduaku, said the interns would be engaged in activities designed to foster innovation and operational excellence across the oil and gas sector.
In his closing remarks, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development of Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Kene Akubue, highlighted that the partnership between the organisations reflects positive progress in the oil and gas industry. He said the company would remain committed to initiatives that promote human capacity development and strengthen indigenous participation, noting that such programmes play a vital role in building a sustainable and competitive energy workforce for Nigeria.
