One hundred young graduates from various academic fields have commenced a new Graduate Internship Program jointly launched by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company (RAEC) Limited, and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). The initiative aims to empower youths with practical skills, exposure, and hands-on industry experience needed to deepen local content participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Under the 2025/2027 NCDMB/PETAN/Renaissance Graduate Internship Programme, the participants will be deployed to PETAN member companies for structured and industry-specific training in engineering, geology, ICT, natural sciences, and related specializations.
Speaking at the official kickoff in Port Harcourt, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described human capacity development as a core pillar of the Board’s mandate. “Human capacity development stands as the cornerstone of our mandate,” he said, noting that the program is a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and indigenous participation in the energy value chain. The General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, represented him.
Ogbe commended Renaissance Africa Energy, formerly Shell Petroleum Development Company, and PETAN for sustaining the program and aligning with national content development goals.
Representatives of PETAN, Dr. Okey Ukaegbu and Mr. Chinedu Maduaku, said the interns are expected to support innovation and operational efficiency across the oil and gas ecosystem through their deployment to member companies.
The General Manager of Nigerian Content Development at Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Kene Akubue, said the partnership reflects a positive shift within the industry and reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives designed to boost indigenous capacity and talent development in the sector.
The initiative is expected to build a strong pipeline of young professionals who can strengthen productivity, drive sector competitiveness, and support Nigeria’s long-term local content and industrialization goals.
