Chevron, Intels Boost Human Capital for Nigeria’s Maritime Sector as 39 Graduates Start New Cadetship Programme

Nigeria’s maritime sector received a significant boost on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 39 young graduates embarked on their journey toward professional cadetship under a Nigerian Content-Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) programme jointly driven by Chevron Nigeria Limited and Intels Nigeria Limited.

The initiative, anchored on the 60:20:20 Strategic Training Model of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is designed to provide participants with sea-time experience, Certificate of Competence (CoC) training, and hands-on exposure across multiple technical domains. The training will be facilitated by Lagos-based Stoilic Shipping Limited, a member of the International Maritime Professionals Association (IMPA).

According to the NCDMB, the programme is more than training—it is part of a policy thrust to grow indigenous capacity, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen government revenues. The model targets job placement for 60 per cent of trainees after the 18-month programme.

At the kick-off ceremony, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described human capital development (HCD) as a “non-negotiable pillar” of the oil and gas industry roadmap. Represented by Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, the Board’s General Manager, Human Capacity Development, Ogbe emphasized that embedding HCD into strategic planning ensures local content becomes a tangible reality, not just an aspiration.

“This is more than a contract signing. It is a declaration of our collective commitment to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of our oil and gas and maritime industries,” Ogbe said.

He praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its steadfast commitment to Nigerian Content, highlighting the company’s leadership role in national capacity building. He also acknowledged the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) for bridging the gap between training and employability.

Chevron’s Capacity Building Advisor, Mr. Victor Inyere, told the cadets they had earned their place through dedication, adding that the programme was an opportunity to acquire transformative skills. He reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to advancing Nigerian Content.

From the training partner’s side, Stoilic Shipping Limited’s General Manager, Mrs. Chimamanda Okafor, stressed the company’s mission to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector through professional growth and strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. She revealed that Stoilic’s cadets have consistently achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in CoC assessments and announced that the company is working on establishing a world-class maritime university in Nigeria.

The programme will support both sea-time cadets—graduates requiring onboard experience—and CoC cadets who have completed earlier stages of their training.

The launch event was attended by senior NCDMB officials including Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Mr. Suleiman Amolegbe, and Ms. Ophelia Jackson, alongside industry stakeholders.

The NC-HCD initiative reflects a strategic partnership between regulators, operators, and trainers to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime sector is not only fuelled by hydrocarbons but powered by indigenous talent prepared for global competitiveness.