The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has trained 200 young Nigerians in Abia and Akwa Ibom States as part of efforts to increase youth participation in the oil and gas industry.
The training was organised in partnership with Tommorow Africa Limited under the Community-Based Oil and Gas Enterprise Development Programme.
A total of 100 youths participated in the programme in each state. The Abia training was held from August 25 to September 4, while the Akwa Ibom programme ran from September 7 to 17, 2026.
The initiative focused on helping young people develop the entrepreneurial and practical skills required to establish businesses and take advantage of opportunities across the oil and gas value chain.
Participants were drawn from host communities and included both men and women, as well as persons with disabilities.
Beyond classroom sessions, the programme provided participants with practical exposure through field visits, allowing them to interact with industry operators and other stakeholders.
In Abia, officials from the state Ministry of Trade and Commerce and representatives of oil and gas marketers participated in the programme, while the Akwa Ibom training received support from the state Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.
The programme also provided mentorship, business development support and access to relevant industry networks to help participants turn their ideas into viable enterprises.
The organisers said the initiative was designed to connect young people in oil-producing communities with business opportunities linked to the energy sector and encourage the development of enterprises that can create jobs within their communities.
Eligibility for the programme was open to Nigerians aged between 18 and 35 with at least an SSCE, NECO or equivalent qualification.
The organisers also encouraged female participation and included persons with disabilities as part of efforts to make the enterprise development programme more inclusive.
The NCDMB partnership with Tommorow Africa is expected to strengthen local participation in the oil and gas industry by equipping young people with skills that can support businesses and services within the sector.
With 200 beneficiaries completing the programme across the two states, the initiative is aimed at building a pool of young entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic activity and create sustainable livelihoods in oil and gas host communities.
