NCDMB reiterates commitment to building globally competitive workforce

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has restated its commitment to building local capacity, empowering Nigerians with relevant technical skills and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in Nigeria’s industrial, oil and gas sectors.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, made the commitment during the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of trainees at the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) of Rivers State University.

Represented by the Assistant Manager, Property and Investment, NCDMB, Ilu Ozekhome, the Executive Secretary said the Board, through strategic partnerships and timely interventions, had continued to support the development of a skilled, competent and globally competitive Nigerian workforce.

Ogbe said, “It really gladdens my heart. When we were outside at the station, I could see that the trainees of these six months of intensive training were already deploying what they learnt into practical use, from the transformer reconstruction to the mobile boarding platform and other skills. I really commend you guys for not sitting on the certificate but applying the skills that you learnt to practical use.

“Your completion of this training is not only a personal milestone but also an important step towards developing the technical skills required to support Nigeria’s industrial and maritime sectors. I encourage you to continue learning, remain disciplined and apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired responsibly. The real value of this training will be demonstrated through how you use your skills to create solutions, contribute to industry and add value to Nigeria. In fact, that’s the very essence of this training.”

Ogbe also commended the management of the CMOTD and its partners for their commitment to practical, industry-focused training and for creating opportunities for Nigerians to acquire relevant skills and competencies.

The Chief Executive Officer of CMOTD, Engineer Vitalis Ahiakwo, described the centre as a living hub of innovation, applied excellence and technological leadership.

“Our unwavering purpose is to close the divide between academia and industry, converting research and insight into practical, industry-ready competencies that power the marine, offshore and energy sectors. At the core of what we do lies a clear national imperative: building the human capital that will propel Nigeria’s blue economy forward,” he said.