NCDMB, SNEPCo partner on skills development
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), alongside its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has commissioned a world-class geoscience centre at the
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), alongside its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has commissioned a world-class geoscience centre at the University of Lagos in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s technical manpower base for the oil and gas industry.
The facility, approved by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and executed under the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development programme, is designed to support training, research and innovation in geosciences and related fields.
Speaking at the commissioning, Felix Omatsola Ogbe said human capital development remains central to the Nigerian content agenda, adding that the new centre demonstrates a deliberate commitment to building local capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy sector.
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Represented by the Director of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele said geosciences is critical to the discovery of new oil and gas reserves and will support the Board’s drive to unlock new energy projects in line with the policy direction of Bola Tinubu.
He noted that geosciences is among the top skills identified in NCDMB’s Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, under which 10,000 young Nigerians are expected to be trained in high-demand industry skills.
According to him, the new UNILAG centre will play a role in supporting that objective.
Ogbe also stressed the Board’s commitment to promoting local goods, assets and technical capabilities across the oil and gas value chain, while explaining that institutions selected for such interventions are chosen based on their demonstrated competencies in specific fields.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Tolani Sule said the centre would help prepare a future-ready workforce with skills relevant not only to the energy sector, but also to environmental management, infrastructure development and other key industries.
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According to him, Nigeria must reduce its reliance on foreign expertise by investing in local professionals and homegrown solutions.
The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Ronald Adams, described the facility as a national asset and urged industry players to partner with the university through research funding, internships, mentorship and student development programmes.
He also commended Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, joint venture partners and the NCDMB for their roles in delivering the project.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Folashade Ogunsola, said the centre would expand research opportunities and equip students with practical skills in areas such as reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation and core analysis.
She added that the university has already put in place a long-term sustainability framework for the facility, including institutional funding, industry partnerships, periodic upgrades and structured maintenance.
