Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Bristow Helicopters, has introduced a new helicopter pilot training programme aimed at developing skilled Nigerian professionals for the country’s oil and gas aviation industry.
The initiative will provide training for 10 Nigerian cadet pilots as well as two participants drawn from communities neighbouring Chevron’s operations. The programme is designed to strengthen local expertise and create more opportunities for Nigerians in the specialised field of offshore aviation.
Speaking during the launch, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Chevron Nigeria’s Mid-Africa Region, Olusoga Oduselu, described the programme as a significant milestone for the industry. According to him, the training scheme reflects Chevron’s commitment to investing in people and building the technical capacity needed to support Nigeria’s growing energy sector.
Oduselu noted that the programme is the first of its kind within the industry and represents an important effort to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to safe and efficient offshore operations.
The training programme is being managed by Bristow Helicopters, a company known for providing aviation services to the oil and gas industry. Participants will undergo both technical and non-technical training to prepare them for the demands of helicopter operations in offshore environments.
The first stage of the programme focuses on non-technical training and is scheduled to begin on June 15, 2026. This phase will be conducted by Blueshell Energy Training Services and will cover areas such as professional conduct, communication, teamwork, leadership, and safety awareness.
After completing the initial phase, the trainees will move on to advanced technical training in Johannesburg, South Africa. This stage will focus on the practical and operational skills required to fly helicopters that support offshore oil and gas activities.
The NCDMB welcomed the initiative, stating that it aligns with the board’s mission to develop Nigerian talent and increase local participation across different segments of the energy industry. The board believes that investing in human capital is essential for achieving long-term growth and sustainability in the sector.
According to NCDMB officials, programmes like this help create globally competitive professionals while strengthening Nigeria’s local content capabilities. They added that developing specialised aviation skills could position Nigeria as a source of expertise for other countries, making it a potential exporter of local content and technical knowledge.
The board also advised the trainees to embrace the opportunity with dedication and maintain a strong commitment to safety, which remains a critical requirement in aviation operations.
Bristow Helicopters highlighted the importance of discipline, professionalism, and operational excellence throughout the training process. The company stressed that successful offshore aviation requires strict adherence to safety procedures and high performance standards.
As part of the launch activities, all participating trainees signed a code of conduct, pledging to uphold professionalism, integrity, and discipline during the programme.
Chevron and its partners described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, emphasizing that reliable and safe aviation services remain essential for supporting offshore energy operations and sustaining industry growth.
