Beneficiaries complete specialised training to strengthen Nigeria’s skilled workforce for the oil and gas, construction and industrial sectors.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has graduated 50 youths from a specialised crane operations training programme aimed at building indigenous capacity and expanding employment opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas, construction and industrial sectors.
The four-week intensive programme, held from July 6 to July 31, 2026, provided participants with technical knowledge, practical skills and safety training required for efficient crane operations in line with international industry standards.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by Halvin Okonmah, said the initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to developing a highly skilled Nigerian workforce and promoting local content.
This programme was designed to develop indigenous capacity by equipping young Nigerians with the technical knowledge, practical competence and safety culture required to excel in crane operations within the oil and gas industry. It also reflects our shared commitment to promoting local content through quality skills development, he said.
Okonmah disclosed that 355 applications were received nationwide. Following a rigorous screening process, 65 candidates were shortlisted, while 50 participants were eventually admitted and successfully completed the programme.
The trainees received classroom and hands-on instruction in crane operating principles, lifting operations, equipment inspection, load handling, signalling and communication, hazard identification, risk assessment, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) best practices.
Managing Director of Zigma Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ogbue, represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Ojinika Mba-Kalu, described the programme as a significant step towards producing competent Nigerian professionals capable of meeting industry demands.
Two beneficiaries, Meme Allen and Alalibo Boma, expressed gratitude to NCDMB and Zigma Limited, saying the fully funded programme transformed them from complete beginners into trained crane operators ready for employment.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and starter packs to the graduates as they prepare to begin careers in Nigeria’s oil and gas and industrial sectors.