…100 beneficiaries each from Abia, Akwa Ibom, including PWDs
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Tomorrow Africa Limited, has trained 200 young Nigerians as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The training was organised under the Community-Based Oil and Gas Enterprise Development Programme, which focuses on equipping young people in host communities with practical entrepreneurial skills, industry knowledge and opportunities to establish sustainable businesses within the oil and gas value chain.
The capacity-building exercise was held in Abia State from August 25 to September 4, 2026, before moving to Akwa Ibom State from September 7 to 17, 2026. A total of 100 participants benefited from the programme in each state.
Beneficiaries were selected from host communities and included young men and women as well as persons with disabilities. The organisers said the inclusive approach was intended to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged groups could also benefit from emerging economic opportunities in the energy sector.
The Abia phase of the programme featured the participation of NCDMB representatives and other government and industry stakeholders. Mrs Sarah Adaobi Ugochukwu, Director, Produce Department, represented the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce during the programme.
Members of oil and gas marketers’ associations also participated, particularly during the field visits. These practical sessions exposed participants to industry operations and provided opportunities to interact directly with operators and other stakeholders across different parts of the oil and gas value chain.
In Akwa Ibom, the state government also supported the initiative, with the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources represented by the Director of the Petroleum Department, Engr. Anietie Emah.
According to the organisers, the programme was developed to address the gap between young people living in oil and gas host communities and the business opportunities available within Nigeria’s energy industry.
Participants received training in entrepreneurship, enterprise development and practical business skills, while also being introduced to potential opportunities within the oil and gas sector. The programme further encouraged participants to develop innovative solutions to economic and social challenges affecting their communities.
Beyond classroom sessions, beneficiaries were provided with mentorship from industry professionals, business development guidance, networking opportunities and practical field experience.
The organisers expect the initiative to help participants transform viable business ideas into sustainable enterprises capable of creating employment and contributing to economic development within their communities.
The programme targeted young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years of age with a minimum qualification of SSCE, NECO or an equivalent certificate. Both male and female applicants were eligible, with particular encouragement given to female participation.
Participants were also expected to demonstrate a commitment to completing the training and field-experience components of the programme.
The inclusion of persons with disabilities formed part of the programme’s broader emphasis on inclusive economic participation. By extending skills acquisition and enterprise development opportunities to people from different backgrounds, the initiative seeks to promote wider access to Nigeria’s growing energy-sector economy.
The NCDMB-Tomorrow Africa partnership also supports broader efforts to strengthen indigenous capacity and increase the involvement of host communities in the oil and gas industry.
Rather than focusing solely on technical knowledge, the programme emphasised the identification of viable business opportunities, enterprise sustainability and the development of locally relevant solutions.
With 100 participants trained in Abia and another 100 in Akwa Ibom, the initiative has created a pool of young people equipped with new knowledge, business skills and practical industry exposure.
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The organisers said the ultimate objective is to empower young people, strengthen host communities and create sustainable pathways for entrepreneurship, employment and local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
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