Train 7 Project has transformed human capital development — NLNG

The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has declared that its ongoing Train 7 project at Finima Bonny has made a transformational impact on human capital development in Nigeria.

This is as a result of the company, in conjunction with the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), recently graduating about 331 young Nigerians from the Batch A, Human Capital Development (HCD) training programme.

The trainees were enrolled in November 2024 in the programme, which is a statutory requirement under the NOGICD Act (2010) and part of the NLNG Train 7 Project’s Nigerian Content Plan.

A closeout ceremony was held for them on Thursday in Port Harcourt, during which some of the trainees who distinguished themselves in their various areas of training received special awards.

In her address at the ceremony, Dr Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the training as “a worthwhile investment in the future of our country, our industry, and the individuals who have benefited from this process”. 

She quoted the words of an American economist and Nobel laureate, Gary S. Becker, widely regarded as the originator of the concept of human capital development, who said, “The most valuable of all capital is human capital,” saying that the statement was true for NLNG, as the company “strongly believes that investing in people, equipping them with practical skills, knowledge, and world-class exposure, is not just a corporate responsibility; it is a catalyst for a thriving economy and a sustainable future.” 

“This conviction drives our commitment towards the development of our host communities and strategic focus around inspiring a sustainable future,” she stressed.

She explained that under the scheme, the NCDMB had facilitated the training of thousands of Nigerians in various skills with internationally recognised certifications, thus enabling gainful employment locally and internationally for beneficiaries. 

“Personally, I believe this is one regulation that speaks directly to the bottom line of nation building,” Dr Horsfall noted.

She added that over the past 12 months, these trainees have been immersed in the rigorous professional and technical capacity development across critical areas such as ICT, marine operations, health, safety & environment (HSE), and welding, among other fields.

“Similarly, the impact of the Train 7 project on human capital development has been transformative. From inception to date, the project has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and recorded more than 70 million safe man-hours without lost time injury (LTI) and ensured technology transfer on a massive scale to various Nigerians working on the project at different levels.”

She stated that structured milestones and performance reviews ensured graduates emerged as globally competitive professionals ready to add value in the industry. This includes the conclusion of requisite professional certification exams after completion of the required classroom and OJT preconditions for the professional certification. 

“This programme is not just about technical skills; it is about creating well-rounded professionals who can thrive in dynamic environments,” she stated.

The Train 7 project director, Ali Uwais, said the training programme encompassed both training elements and the institutional strengthening initiatives.

He said, “As a federal government initiative, backed by relevant legislation, the HCD programme is designed to secure a sustainable talent pipeline for the oil and gas industry for posterity.”

He noted that the trainees completed both the basic training and the on-the-job training and are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to an industry that is ready to absorb them.

According to Uwais, who was represented by Joshua Ananeje, the NLNG Train 7 Project is a blueprint for sustainable industrial growth. 

He said, “By embedding Nigerian content and prioritising human capital development, the project is delivering far-reaching benefits, creating jobs, empowering communities and strengthening technical capacity.

“To the graduates, this programme is more than training; it is a call to action for you to take charge of your future on the strength of the skills acquired.

“This world is your oyster to explore. Your new skills should drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.”

He urged the trainees to utilise the training positively and take advantage of the opportunities that would come their way.

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