NCDMB, Chevron, Bristow Launch Pilot Training Programme For Nigerians
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Aviation remains one of the most specialised support services in the oil and gas industry, and Nigeria is now taking deliberate steps to build a pipeline of indigenous professionals to fill critical roles
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, has commenced a pilot training programme aimed at developing indigenous aviation capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos, will provide 10 Nigerians with world-class aviation training, preparing them for careers in the highly specialised field of helicopter operations that support offshore oil and gas activities.
The programme forms part of NCDMB’s Field Readiness Training initiative, a human capital development scheme designed to equip more than 10,000 young graduates and technicians with critical skills required in the country’s growing oil and gas sector.
Speaking at the launch, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said the 18-month training would combine classroom instruction, ground training and practical flight operations, leading to the award of Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences.
He described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigerian talent and a major step towards strengthening local participation in the aviation and energy sectors.
Chevron’s General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Mr Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, noted that the programme was conceived to address the shortage of indigenous pilots in the oil and gas industry, adding that participants would be trained to international standards and positioned for global opportunities.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Capt. Oladapo Oyeleke, said the company had trained aviation professionals for more than six decades and produced over 500 pilots across different jurisdictions.
He described the initiative as the first of many similar programmes expected in the future.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Itorobong Inyang, expressed excitement over her selection, describing it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about women in aviation and encourage more females to pursue careers in specialised sectors.
The trainees will undergo ab-initio pilot training at Henley Air in South Africa, where they will earn Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Night Rating and Instrument Rating qualifications before proceeding to aircraft type-rating training.
The selection process, according to organisers, was rigorous and merit-based.
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