The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited (BHNL), has commenced a specialised pilot training programme aimed at developing Nigerian manpower for the aviation segment of the oil and gas industry.
The programme, unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, will provide 10 Nigerians with world-class aviation training designed to equip them with the skills required for careers in one of the most critical support sectors for offshore oil and gas operations.
The initiative forms part of NCDMB’s broader Field Readiness Training Programme, a strategic Human Capital Development (HCD) scheme established in response to the resurgence of major investments and new projects in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The programme seeks to train more than 10,000 young graduates and technicians in ten high-demand skill areas, enabling them to participate actively in ongoing and upcoming projects being executed by both international and indigenous oil and gas operators.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the programme as more than a routine training exercise.
According to him, the initiative provides a rare opportunity for young Nigerians to build careers in a highly specialised field that plays a vital role in supporting offshore energy operations.
Bamidele explained that the 18-month training programme would combine intensive classroom instruction, ground training and practical flight operations, culminating in the acquisition of Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences.
He noted that the programme reflects NCDMB’s commitment to deepening Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry through targeted capacity development and the creation of opportunities capable of driving national economic growth.
“The programme represents a deliberate investment in Nigerian talent and a strategic effort to strengthen indigenous capacity within both the aviation and energy sectors,” he said.
He further stressed that the true measure of the beneficiaries’ success would not be limited to the licences they obtain but would also include the professionalism, discipline and excellence they demonstrate throughout their careers.
Also addressing the trainees, the General Manager, Human Capacity Development at NCDMB, Ms. Alexis Emelle, urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed throughout the training period.
She reminded them that substantial resources had been invested in their development and encouraged them to remain grounded and remember their roots as they advance professionally.
Speaking on behalf of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Oduselu Olusoga, the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Mr. Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, described the programme as a landmark initiative for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He noted that the pilot training scheme was the first of its kind and was specifically conceived to address the shortage of indigenous pilots serving the sector.
Aimienwanu said Chevron’s commitment goes beyond investments in infrastructure and facilities, extending significantly to the development of human capital.
According to him, the programme is designed to train Nigerians to international standards while preparing them to compete for opportunities within the global aviation industry.
He commended NCDMB for its leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing human capacity development, noting that the initiative would create long-term value for both the aviation and oil and gas sectors.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Capt. Oladapo Oyeleke, described the programme as another important milestone in the company’s long-standing tradition of aviation training and professional excellence.
He disclosed that Bristow has been involved in aviation training for more than six decades and has produced over 500 pilots across various jurisdictions.
Expressing optimism about the future of the initiative, Oyeleke welcomed the 10 trainees into the profession and described the programme as the first of several similar interventions expected in the coming years.
He emphasised that helicopter operations within the energy industry are highly complex and require exceptional levels of competence, discipline and professionalism.
The trainees, he advised, should remain determined, focused and committed throughout the rigorous training process.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Itorobong Inyang, described her selection as both an honour and an opportunity to challenge long-standing stereotypes about women in aviation.
She revealed that she had previously viewed the profession as male-dominated but was encouraged to apply and subsequently emerged successful through a merit-based selection process.
Inyang encouraged more women to explore opportunities within the oil and gas industry and pursue careers in specialised fields traditionally dominated by men.
Under the programme, the trainees will undergo ab-initio pilot training at Henley Air in South Africa, where they will earn Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Night Rating and Instrument Rating qualifications before advancing to aircraft type-rating training.
NCDMB noted that the selection of participants was conducted through a rigorous and merit-based process, in line with the objectives of the initiative to develop a highly skilled and globally competitive Nigerian workforce for the oil and gas industry.
