The Federal Government has set up a committee to establish an operational framework and develop a curriculum for the Centre for Skills Development and Training in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This initiative, led by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), aims to enhance the availability of qualified technical personnel in Nigeria’s oil and gas and broader energy sectors.
In a statement following the committee’s inauguration in Abuja by PTDF Executive Secretary Shuaibu Aliyu, it was revealed that the group will assess the centre’s current systems and identify areas for improvement. The establishment of the centre follows a skills audit which highlighted a significant shortage of qualified technical workers in mid-level positions within the oil and gas industry.
Aliyu indicated that the centre is nearly complete, with facilities including an administrative building, an auditorium, a library, hostels, and essential infrastructure. It has previously hosted activities related to the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme and other training programmes.
Describing its mission, the PTDF stated that the centre will provide vocational training and internationally acknowledged certifications for technicians and craftsmen in various areas, including welding, electrical work, and industrial safety.
The committee will also design an operational policy, recommend training systems, and develop pathways for internships and apprenticeships. Additionally, it will create partnerships with government bodies and educational institutions, while preparing an implementation framework with clear timelines and responsibilities.
Chairman Ibe Kachikwu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the committee, highlighting the importance of skills development for economic growth and Nigeria’s role in the global energy transition.
The committee comprises representatives from various organisations, including the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria and academic institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University. The PTDF is confident that the expertise within the committee will enhance the centre’s programmes and support the development of Nigeria’s petroleum industry workforce.
The Port Harcourt centre complements PTDF’s existing College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna, which focuses on postgraduate education and professional development. The initiative reinforces PTDF’s commitment to fostering specialised skills within the energy sector, ensuring that the newly established training centre effectively meets industry demands.
