The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced the launch of a nationwide digitalisation training programme aimed at equipping 3,700 young Nigerians with essential digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Obinna Ezeobi, general manager of corporate communications at NCDMB, made this known in a statement on Sunday. He explained that the initiative, known as the NCDMB Digitalisation Initiative (NDI), is designed to build the capacity of young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the ongoing industrial revolution shaped by emerging technologies.
Felix Ogbe, executive secretary of NCDMB, noted that the oil and gas industry has embraced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, drones, and blockchain-based data exchange. He said the shift towards digitalisation will enable the industry to boost productivity, optimise costs, and drive low-carbon operations.
Ogbe added that digitalisation will also support remote operations, leaner business structures, smarter and preventive facility management, and increased automation of business processes outcomes that can create ripple effects for MSMEs in the supply chain.
Ezeobi reaffirmed the board’s commitment to preparing and empowering the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s supply chain to remain relevant in the changing landscape.
Abdulmalik Halilu, director of corporate services at NCDMB, highlighted that the NDI specifically targets youth within the 35-year age bracket. He explained that resources will be directed to high-impact areas that enhance digital expertise, generate rapid value, and drive sustainable growth.
According to details of the programme, the training will benefit youths across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory over the next three years. It will expose the candidates to digital tools as well as the design and development of market-relevant solutions.
The pilot phase of the training will include 100 participants, selected through the NOGIC JQS portal, the official repository for human and material capacities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Pre-selection tests will be held across six geopolitical zones as follows: September 30 in Umuahia, October 3 in Warri, October 6 in Lagos and Kaduna, and October 9 in Minna and Taraba.
Through this initiative, NCDMB aims to build a digitally empowered workforce that can drive innovation and competitiveness, creating opportunities not only for individuals but also for MSMEs operating within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem.
