NDDC Is Committed To Capacity-Building – MD

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signed an MoU with Nigeria Institute of Welding on training for unemployed youths as part of the commission’s efforts toward building capacity of youths in the region.

The managing director of NDDC, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha signed on behalf of the commission while the President of the Institute of Welding, Mr. Solomon Edebiri signed for the institute.

Mr. Ugwoha said the programme is a deliberate effort by the commission to provide sustainable means of livelihood for the youths and also to help improve the percentage of local participation in the Nigeria oil and gas operations in Niger Delta.

He said both NDDC and the institute thought it necessary to enter into the agreement as a way of reducing negative social activities and restiveness among the youths as well as improve income distribution and wealth generation in the region.

“We shall pursue with renewed vigour, the issue of capacity building and manpower development in the Niger Delta.  We shall make sure that our people are skillfully equipped and have the competence to take up challenges in the oil and gas industry or other related areas”, he said.

Mr. Ugwoha who assured that the commission will co-operate with the Welding Institute to deliver required professional service for the trainees promised that NDDC shall provide necessary materials and personnel to executive every project that the institute may be involved in under the MoU.

The Nigerian Institute of Welding is a member of the International Institute of Welding and the international authorisation board empowered to oversee all welding activities in Nigeria.

Under the MoU with the commission, the institute shall among other things provide necessary professional guide to NDDC to carry out the business of professional welding, training centre establishment, facility upgrade and engineering centre development.

It shall also provide all the necessary supervision and directives required for a qualitative training programme of the trainees and trainers across the region, while also developing the curriculum for not only training of welders but also the development programmes planned by the commission in line with provisions of the International Institute of Welding.

The duration of the MoU shall be for an initial period of three years, though may be renewed of necessary.

Chris Oluoh