Chevron, Intels train 39 graduates under NCDMB cadetship programme to boost Nigeria’s maritime sector

Capacity building in Nigeria’s maritime industry received a significant boost on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 39 young graduates commenced preliminary processes for cadetship training under the Nigerian Content-Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) programme of Chevron Nigeria Limited and Intels Nigeria Limited.

The initiative, patterned after the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB) 60:20:20 Strategic Training Model, is designed to provide participants with sea time experience, Certificate of Competence (CoC) training, practical exposure, and real-time technical knowledge.

The training will be conducted at Lagos-based Stoilic Shipping Limited, a leading member of the International Maritime Professionals Association (IMPA).

The NC-HCD programme was conceived in line with the NCDMB’s policy thrust to enhance indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and maritime sectors, while promoting employment generation and boosting government revenues.

Under the model, 60 percent of trainees are guaranteed job placement upon completion of the 18-month training.

Speaking at the programme’s official flag-off, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described human capital development (HCD) as a “non-negotiable pillar of the oil and gas industry’s growth roadmap.”

He stressed that embedding HCD in strategic planning ensures that local content becomes a reality rather than just an aspiration.

“This commencement of an 18-month Cadetship Training Programme is more than a milestone; it is a declaration of our collective commitment to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of the oil, gas, and maritime sectors,” Engr. Ogbe stated.

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Represented by the General Manager of Human Capacity Development, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Ogbe commended Chevron for its unwavering support and compliance with Nigerian Content requirements, noting that the company has demonstrated leadership in advancing national capacity development.

 He also applauded the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) for aligning training standards with industry needs and bridging the gap between learning and employability.

Chevron’s Capacity Building Advisor, Mr. Victor Inyere, congratulated the cadets, urging them to seize the opportunity to acquire skills that will position them for impactful careers and national service. He reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to supporting Nigerian Content and capacity-building efforts.

On her part, Stoilic Nigeria Limited’s General Manager, Administration, Mrs. Chimamanda Okafor, highlighted the company’s mission to transform the maritime sector through innovation, professionalism, and adherence to global safety standards.

She revealed that Stoilic’s cadets had previously achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in Certificate of Competency assessments and pledged continued international exposure for Nigerian trainees.

Mrs. Okafor further disclosed plans by Stoilic to establish a world-recognised maritime university in Nigeria, built on strong international partnerships and designed to set new benchmarks in maritime education.