By Maureen Podka
THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched Center for Marine and Offshore Technology Development
(CMOTD) to train Nigerian engineers to grow the blue economy.
Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, performed the official launch of the Center, which is located at the complex of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday.
Engr. Ogbe, who expressed satisfaction with the center, said the board was established to promote the growth of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, and also responsible for implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which aims to increase local participation in the sector.
According to him, the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) has formed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to promote the growth and adoption of marine and offshore technologies, research and training under the NOGICD Act.
The NCDMB, through its various units and initiatives, collaborates with CMOTD to ensure that Nigerian Content principles are implemented and advanced in the marine and offshore technology sector.
Vice Chancellor of RSU, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, conducted the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Ogbe and his team round the major facilities of the institution.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer
CEO/Secretary, CMOTD, Engr. Vitalis Ahiakwo, said the center is dedicated to training and developing personnel for the marine and offshore industries.
He said programmes offered by the center are designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for the offshore oil and gas sector and related fields.
According to him, with the “Back to Creek, Forward with Skills!” initiative of the NCDMB, “CMOTD is strengthening Nigeria’s future through research and training in oil, gas, marine, and offshore infrastructure. It addresses Nigeria’s national technical capacity gap in marine, offshore, and energy infrastructure with inclusive, practical, high-impact professional training.
Also, Chairman, Management Board of CMOTD, Engr. Eferebo Sylvanus, said the board realized the critical need for the gap in the marine sector to be closed, by subsidizing the cost for the programmes.
Sylvanus, who is also the National Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architect, said: “However, in the interim local content has stepped in to be able to subsidize for people to participate. So, the pioneer students, the flagship students we have here are from the board.
“The board has realized this critical need for the gap in this sector to be closed. After now we can then announce our official cost. But, the good thing is, the international certification, the software licenses, the partnerships, all these costs are being subsidized because of the intervention of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board under the policy of the new Executive Secretary and this back-to-creek project.”
Currently, the center has total of 305 students across various programmes.
The programmes include, but are not limited to, Practical Ship Design & Construction (with AVEVA Marine), Subsea Design & Offshore Structures, Oil Well Optimization, Big Data Analytics for Energy Systems, Floating Systems, ROVs, and Simulation Labs, as well as
Customized Technical Short Courses for all levels.”
The center welcomes university graduates from any field, polytechnic students, technical institute graduates, and non-degree holders (in select courses). It is also open to young professionals, upskilling workers, and all Nigerians nationwide.