The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Portsmouth (UoP), UK, to enhance human capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, at a press briefing.
Lokpobiri explained that the MoU aims to promote resource exchange and in-country training for Nigerians, in line with global energy transition trends. This partnership marks a significant step towards building local expertise and enhancing the country’s oil and gas workforce.
“This partnership signifies a key milestone in our efforts to localize capacity development in Nigeria’s energy sector. While the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has historically worked with UoP to train Nigerians abroad, we are now focusing on bringing these opportunities home to train even more people,” Lokpobiri stated.
He emphasized the importance of human capacity development, particularly in the context of the global shift toward energy transition. According to the Minister, developing skilled professionals is just as crucial as securing funding for the transition process.
Lokpobiri had recently visited Scotland as part of similar engagements, further demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaborations aimed at enhancing skills for the oil and gas sector.
“The goal is to equip Nigerians with the skills and knowledge not only to thrive in the local market but also to succeed internationally,” he added.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the MoU, calling it a commendable step in repositioning Nigeria’s workforce for the global energy landscape. He also praised the inclusivity of the initiative, which focuses on developing Nigerians within the country.
Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), highlighted the significance of the MoU in fulfilling the Fund’s mission to build local capacity in the oil and gas sector.
“By bringing this collaboration to Nigeria, we expand the reach and accessibility of these training opportunities, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit,” Aminu said.
Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise in sustainable development, especially in navigating the challenges of the energy transition.
This collaboration between the Federal Government and the University of Portsmouth is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector by equipping Nigerians with the expertise required to drive the industry’s growth and global competitiveness.
){kind=link}