The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced that it will officially launch the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) in July 2026 as part of efforts to improve the quality of training and workforce development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The Board made the announcement during a sensitisation workshop held in Port Harcourt, where it also invited members of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) to contribute ideas that will help shape the new certification system.
According to the NCDMB, the NCTRC is designed to ensure that only qualified and experienced professionals are responsible for training workers in the oil and gas sector. The certificate will cover 11 different areas of specialization, including both technical skills and professional development.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate at NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said the Board wants to create a fair and transparent system that gives more trainers the opportunity to participate in human capacity development programmes.
He explained that the workshop was organized to hear directly from OGTAN members and address any concerns they may have before the official rollout of the certification programme.
Bamidele noted that currently, fewer than 10 percent of registered trainers receive opportunities to provide training services in the industry. He described the situation as unacceptable, especially since many trainers have invested heavily in training facilities, equipment and professional development.
He praised OGTAN for its long-standing contribution to developing skilled workers in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and said the Board values the association’s experience. He added that the opinions and recommendations of trainers will help improve the certification framework before it is implemented nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of Infrastructure at NCDMB, Barrister Olugbenga Ashafa, stressed the importance of building local human capacity. He said Nigeria still faces shortages of skilled professionals and standardized training centres, making it necessary to strengthen the country’s training system.
Ashafa explained that the new certification programme is expected to encourage investment in training facilities, improve the use of local expertise, increase opportunities for Nigerian professionals and ensure that more value is retained within the country.
He urged trainers to carefully study the proposed framework, offer constructive suggestions and actively participate in refining the process.
Participants at the workshop also received detailed information on the eligibility requirements, application procedures and benefits of obtaining the NCTRC.
Mr. Salim Musa of the NCDMB explained the registration guidelines, while Mrs. Abosede Oladejo of Vascon Solutions gave a live demonstration of the online application process. She also explained the role of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) and how it supports companies operating in the sector.
During the interactive session, participants asked questions about accreditation, ISO standards and other certification requirements. Officials from NCDMB and leaders of OGTAN provided clarifications and answered the concerns raised by attendees.
The Chief Executive Officer of Oilskills Onshore and Offshore Ltd, Dr. Alex Umahi, suggested that the validity period of the certificate should be increased from two years to three years because of the rigorous process involved in obtaining the certification.
In his closing remarks, OGTAN Board of Trustees Chairman, Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi, commended NCDMB for introducing the initiative, describing it as an important step toward improving professionalism and maintaining high standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He also encouraged members of the association to become more actively involved in the organization’s activities as the industry continues to evolve.
The workshop attracted representatives from 52 training organisations across the country, reflecting strong interest in the new certification programme ahead of its official launch in July.
