To strengthen Nigeria’s human capital base and equip young professionals with practical skills for careers in the oil and gas industry, 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 for 10 Nigerians.
The Human Capacity Development (HCD) initiative, unveiled in Lagos is designed to provide world-class aviation training and prepare participants for careers in the aviation segment of the oil and gas industry, particularly in offshore operations.
The programme is part of the NCDMB’s broader Field Readiness Training initiative, which aims to train more than 10,000 young graduates and technicians in 10 high-demand skill areas identified as critical to supporting the resurgence of investments and new projects in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the programme as more than a training exercise, noting that it opens up rare opportunities for young Nigerians to build careers in a highly specialised profession.
According to him, the 18-month training programme will combine intensive classroom instruction, ground training and practical flight operations, culminating in the award of Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to building local capacity, deepening Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry and creating opportunities that drive national growth,” he said.
Bamidele noted that the partnership with Chevron represents a deliberate investment in Nigerian talent and a strategic effort to strengthen indigenous capacity within both the aviation and energy sectors. He added that the true measure of success would not only be the licences obtained by the trainees but also the professionalism, discipline and excellence they demonstrate throughout their careers.
The General Manager, Human Capacity Development at NCDMB, Ms. Alexis Emelle, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and remain focused throughout the training period.
She reminded them that substantial resources had been invested in their development and encouraged them to remain grounded as they advance in their careers.
Representing Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Oduselu Olusoga, the General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Mr. Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, described the initiative as a landmark intervention for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He explained that the programme was conceived to address the shortage of indigenous pilots within the sector and underscored Chevron’s commitment to developing people alongside infrastructure and facilities.
“This programme is designed to train Nigerians to international standards and position them for opportunities in the global aviation industry,” he said.
Aimienwanu commended NCDMB for its leadership and unwavering commitment to human capacity development, noting that the investment would create lasting value for both the aviation and oil and gas industries.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Capt. Oladapo Oyeleke, described the initiative as another milestone in the company’s long-standing tradition of aviation training and excellence.
He disclosed that Bristow has trained aviation professionals for more than six decades and has produced over 500 pilots across different jurisdictions.
Expressing delight at welcoming the 10 beneficiaries into the profession, Oyeleke noted that helicopter operations in the energy sector are highly complex and demand exceptional competence and discipline.
He advised the trainees to remain focused, determined and committed throughout the programme.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Itorobong Inyang, described her selection as a proud moment and an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about women in aviation.
She noted that although aviation is often perceived as a male-dominated profession, she was encouraged to apply and successfully emerged through a merit-based selection process.
Inyang urged more women to take advantage of opportunities within the oil and gas industry and pursue careers in specialised fields.
Under the programme, the trainees will undergo ab-initio pilot training at Henley Air in South Africa, where they will obtain Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Night Rating and Instrument Rating qualifications before proceeding to aircraft type-rating training.
A statement issued by
Dr Obinna Ezeobi, NCDNB
General Manager, Corporate Communications Division explained that the beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous merit-based process aligned with the objectives of the initiative, which seeks to develop a new generation of highly skilled Nigerian aviation professionals for the oil and gas industry.
