In a decisive leap toward maritime and oil sector transformation, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) in Rivers State, a landmark project designed to build Nigeria’s next generation of offshore engineers and marine professionals.
Commissioned at the Rivers State University (RSU), the facility is equipped with cutting-edge simulation tools, global-standard training labs, and international software suites. Already, 305 Nigerian youths are enrolled in intensive programs ranging from marine vessel design to welding, offshore fabrication, and data analytics.
Facility Overview
- A Public–Private Partnership initiative under Nigeria’s NOGICD Act.
- Currently training 305 engineers across technical streams like ship design, subsea structures, welding, data analytics, and more.
- Equipped with simulation labs, AVEVA Marine software, and supported by internationally certified instructors.
Speeches That Made Waves
Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB
“Through this PPP, we are equipping graduates with in-demand skills in offshore oil and gas… bridging local content gaps in our maritime and energy sectors.”
He also toured the training facilities and urged participants to capitalize on the opportunity, reaffirming the board’s commitment to President Tinubu’s capacity-building vision .
Prof. Isaac Zeb‑Obipi, Vice Chancellor, RSU Prof. Zeb‑Obipi led the official inspection at the event, celebrating the partnership as a catalyst for strengthening local expertise and endorsing RSU’s ongoing commitment to marine engineering excellence .
Engr. Vitalis Ahiakwo, CEO & Secretary, CMOTD
“With the ‘Back-to‑Creek, Forward with Skills’ programme, CMOTD is strengthening Nigeria’s future through hands-on training in oil, gas, marine, and offshore infrastructure.”
Engr. Dr. Sylvanus Eferebo, Chairman, CMOTD Management Board
“The board recognised this gap and subsidised international certification, software licences, and partnerships under the new ES’s policy… to empower pioneer students.”
He highlighted that 305 trainees are currently sponsored, and 70 % of instructors are from industry—ensuring relevance and compliance with COREN standards.
Some immediate and long-term Impact of the Centre
The following are some of the immediate and long-term significance of this centre:
- Local capacity Graduates become industry-ready with globally recognised skills.
- Job creation: Centre set to generate hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly.
- Blue economy advancement: Strengthens Nigeria’s marine and offshore competence.
- Nigeria will save billions annually by reducing foreign technical training.
Conclusion
The CMOTD will soon open additional intakes, prioritizing qualified youths across the Niger Delta and beyond. Courses will be co-certified by local and international regulatory bodies. Thus, ensuring graduates are fit for Nigerian and global offshore deployments.
This is more than a ribbon-cutting; it’s a signal of intent. Nigeria is no longer outsourcing its talent needs. With CMOTD rising in Rivers, the country is training at home, certifying to global standards, and creating value in its own backyard.
This cutting-edge centre is not just an infrastructure win—it’s a turning point for Nigeria’s maritime future. The speeches delivered set a strong message. The message is, “educate domestically, certify globally, and employ locally”. The graduates from this centre shall definitely be globally sort after personnel in the oil and gas sector.
What do you think of this centre? Will it train a new set of Nigerians who will later japa out of the Country? Let us know your take in the comment section.