100 Youths Begin NCDMB/Renaissance/PETAN Graduate Internship Programme
By Naija Enquirer Staff
A total of 100 young Nigerian graduates have commenced the 2025/2027 NCDMB/PETAN/Renaissance Graduate Internship Programme, a strategic human capacity development initiative aimed at equipping youths with industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and professional exposure in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
The programme, jointly sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), brings together graduates from engineering, ICT, geology, and various science disciplines to undergo structured industry training within PETAN member companies.
Driving National Content and Human Capacity Growth
Speaking during the programme’s launch at the Renaissance Residential Area Club Hall in Port Harcourt, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to promoting indigenous competencies and talent development across Nigeria’s energy value chain.
Represented by Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq., General Manager of Human Capacity Development at NCDMB, Ogbe noted that while asset ownership is vital, the real foundation of sustainable national content remains the development of skilled human capital.
“Human capacity development stands as the cornerstone of our mandate. We will continue to support initiatives that promote knowledge transfer, skill enhancement, and capacity retention in the Nigerian energy industry,” he stated.
Building the Next Generation of Energy Professionals
Ogbe commended Renaissance Africa Energy — formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company — and PETAN for sustaining the programme, now in its second edition, and for aligning with the national content agenda.
He encouraged the interns to embrace diligence, discipline, and innovation throughout the programme, describing them as the emerging professionals poised to sustain Nigeria’s energy future.
Industry Stakeholders Emphasize Innovation and Excellence
Presenting the programme’s objectives and expected outcomes, Dr. Okey Ukaegbu and Mr. Chinedu Maduaku of PETAN emphasized that the interns would contribute to driving innovation and operational efficiency across the sector.
They noted that the hands-on exposure and mentorship provided under the initiative are tailored to prepare participants for real-world challenges and leadership roles within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Collaborating for Nigeria’s Energy Future
In his remarks, Mr. Kene Akubue, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy, described the programme as a progressive collaboration supporting the growth of indigenous participation in the sector.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening human capacity development, stating that initiatives like this form a critical pillar in sustaining Nigeria’s competitive energy landscape.
The two-year internship programme will see the selected graduates deployed to PETAN member companies for hands-on training, mentorship, and career development, contributing to a stronger, more skilled workforce within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem.
