The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has underscored the vital importance of human capacity development in enhancing Nigeria's crude oil production and ensuring sustainable growth within the petroleum sector. During a press briefing held yesterday in preparation for the 2026 Human Capacity Development (HCD) Conference and Trainers' Fair, scheduled for August in Warri, OGTAN President Chris Osarumwense highlighted persistent deficiencies in skilled manpower that could impede efforts to maximize output.
Skills Gap in the Industry
Osarumwense pointed out that a significant challenge confronting operators is the shortage of personnel equipped with the requisite knowledge, technical expertise, and professional demeanor to meet the sector's evolving demands. He noted a disconnect between academic curricula and industry requirements, often forcing companies to spend 12 to 18 months retraining graduates before they become job-ready. OGTAN is actively working to bridge this gap by fostering stronger collaboration among academia, training institutions, and industry players, ensuring graduates align more closely with workplace expectations.
Indigenous Operators and Local Capacity
The transition from international oil companies (IOCs) to indigenous operators has amplified the urgency of building local capacity. Osarumwense commended indigenous firms for maintaining and, in some cases, increasing production levels after acquiring IOC assets, describing this as encouraging but emphasizing the need for sustained investment in human capital.
Production Costs and Security Challenges
Regarding rising production costs, Osarumwense identified security issues, pipeline vandalism, and inefficient transportation systems as primary drivers. Reliance on alternative logistics like trucking instead of pipelines significantly elevates operational costs and reduces efficiency. However, he stressed that improved workforce competence, combined with enhanced security and infrastructure, would gradually lower production costs.
Emerging Technologies
The OGTAN president also highlighted the growing impact of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and cybersecurity—on the industry, noting that these innovations are reshaping required skill sets.
2026 HCD Conference
Funmi Ogbue, Chairman of the Planning Committee, announced that the 2026 conference, themed 'Empowering People. Driving Performance. Shaping the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry,' will take place from August 25 to 27 at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State. The event aims to build a globally competitive workforce by convening regulators, operators, academia, and training providers to address workforce challenges and align training with global standards.
Ogbue outlined that the conference will feature high-level policy dialogues, a trainers' fair showcasing innovative learning technologies, youth-focused programs, and an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in human capacity development. She emphasized that investment in people remains central to improving productivity, enhancing local content, and ensuring long-term sustainability in Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
