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NCDMB Recommits To Local Capacity Development
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to local capacity development and sustainable talent growth through strategic collaborations with private sector players.
The Board made the recommitment at the graduation ceremony of a landmark Human Capital Development (HCD) programme in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Geoscape Nigeria Limited.
The Tide gathered that the ceremony, which held on July 30, 2025, at Geoscape’s facility in Lagos, marked the formal graduation of 11 outstanding trainees, who underwent a rigorous 12-month programme covering classroom instruction and practical exposure, including international training sessions in the United Kingdom.
The one-year training, tagged “Chevron Nigeria Limited Purchase of Unit 20 Autothermal Reformer Cooled Tip Swirler Burner Assembly (Tag: 120-xx102-05)”, selected 11 outstanding candidates from a shortlist of 33 on the NOGIC JQS portal.
A statement from the Directorate of Corporate Communications of the NCDMB reports that the training also featured classroom instruction and hands-on technical experience aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become industry leaders.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s General Manager, Human Capacity development, Barr. Esueme Dan-Kikile, described the initiative as a powerful expression of the Board’s project-based HCD framework and a key delivery under its Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.
“Today marks not just the end of a programme, but the celebration of a vision realised – a testament to the transformative power of the NCDMB HCD initiative.
“This programme is nation-building in action. All of you are prepared as catalysts of change – leaders who will provide local solutions and set new benchmarks for excellence in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors”, the NCDMB’S Executive scribe said.
Ogbe lauded the contributions of Chevron and Geoscape in the programme’s success, saying, together with the firms, the Board has demonstrated the powerful impact of public-private synergy.
“My sincere appreciation goes to Chevron for its unwavering commitment to building local talent, and to Geoscape for setting a high standard of professionalism and dedication during this training.
“I want to urge the graduands to make the most of the investment in their future. Your discipline, resilience and determination have brought you thus far. This opportunity is a significant investment in your future.
“Remember, if you do not use it, you will lose it. I urge you to go out and excel in all your endeavours. Armed with new knowledge and skills, you now carry the torch of excellence. Wield your expertise with purpose, diligence, and integrity. Stand tall as ambassadors of the NCDMB, and continue to grow, adapt and lead”, Ogbe added.
He urged the graduands to make the programme the springboard for a lifetime of achievement, noting that they should be relentless in learning, resilient in challenge, and inspiring to others.
“I believe in you. Nigeria believes in you. I challenge you to step forward and create meaningful impact”, the NCDMB boss noted.
In his remarks, Chevron’s HCD Adviser, Mr. Victor Inyere, who represented the company’s General Manager, Nigerian Content, Ventures and Regulatory Affairs, Ms. Edwina Kentebe-Oluwakayode, described the initiative not as a regulatory obligation but a social investment in line with the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.
“This close-out ceremony marks our powerful relationship with stakeholders such as NCDMB – our regulators, but also our big brothers. Chevron believes in people. The foundation of every community is the people.
“Investing in people is the only way to sustain development, and we are fully committed to NCDMB’s vision to develop young Nigerians and lift them off the streets”, She said.
In her welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Geoscape Nigeria Limited, Modupe Jegede, applauded both NCDMB and Chevron for their enduring support over the years, noting that without NCDMB’s enabling framework, companies like Geoscape would not thrive.
“We always say that without NCDMB, Geoscape would not be here today. The Nigerian Content Act gave us a platform to grow our capacity and compete. Though you are our regulators, we see you as partners. We are proud to have received your support, and we have continued to uphold international standards, even becoming ISO certified”, She said.
The company’s Chief Executive also highlighted its plans to unveil a fully equipped training school as part of the the firm’s commitment to sustainable capacity building, saying that the state-of-the-art technical training school was nearing completion while also extending invitation to stakeholders for its upcoming commissioning.
“Geoscape aims to build a company that will outlive its founders, focusing on long-term value rather than short-term gains. We’re installing equipment and ensuring it’s a facility you’ll be proud of. We believe in doing things right – quality and excellence are our watchwords.
“We don’t just want to make money. We want to create something sustainable. As we grow, we’ll keep offering opportunities to past trainees, both on contract and full-time basis. The impact of the programme was reflected in the testimonies of the trainees”, She added.
In her speech, Ms. Elizabeth Oyeyemi, the only female among the trainees, expressed gratitude for the exposure and encouragement she received, particularly during the overseas segment of the training, saying the programme empowered her to embrace a technical career without limits.
“This programme has made me realise that there is no limit for ladies in technical fields. NCDMB, Chevron and Geoscape did not just organise this training but cared for us. They gave us care, support and exposure that made this experience memorable and empowering”, she said
Also speaking, another trainee, Ayandipo Feyintoluwa, described the training as innovative and eye-opening, citing modules such as online leak sealing and composite repair.
“We appreciate NCDMB, Chevron and Geoscape. This training shouldn’t end – it’s something we’d all like to go further and deeper into. All parties echoed a shared vision, that by investing in human capital, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry would become more competitive, inclusive and future-ready”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has officially launched its 2025 Customer Service Week celebrations under the inspiring global theme, “Mission: Possible.”
The Agency is leveraging this annual celebration to reaffirm its commitment to transforming customer challenges into opportunities and consistently delivering exceptional service to grow the Nigerian Maritime sector.
In his remarks, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that effective service delivery remains central to the Agency’s mandate, stressing that excellence must begin internally before extending to external stakeholders.
“Providing service is paramount, both internally and externally. We must remain prepared, committed, and available to solve problems together as a team. Excellence in service delivery defines who we are and what we represent,” . Mobereola stated.
He highlighted teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement as essential drivers of institutional growth and public confidence.
The Head, SERVICOM Unit, Hajiya Rakiyyah Lammai, appreciated the Director General for his continued support in strengthening customer service structures within NIMASA.
She noted that this year’s theme aptly reflects the dedication and resilience of the Agency’s staff in upholding service quality.
The 2025 Customer Service Week was commemorated across NIMASA offices nationwide with recognition programmes, engagement activities, and customer feedback sessions aimed at promoting a culture of responsiveness and efficiency.
As NIMASA continues to promote safety, security, and sustainability within Nigeria’s maritime domain, the 2025 Customer Service Week reinforces that service excellence remains the cornerstone of effective public service.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.
The Command Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who disclosed this during his Maiden Press Briefing, at the Seme Krake border, last Thursday, said the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General, Moji Adeyeye.
Displaying the seized goods, Adenuga said the flour, produced in March 2024, had expired in November, 2024, posing serious public health risk.
He said, “If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.”
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.
The figure, he said represent an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.
“This outstanding performance
reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Adenuga said the command guided by the Comptroller General of Customs commitment to transparency and modernization has intensified effort to simplify procedures and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated, ” he said.
Beyond the expired flour, Adenuga also showcased other contraband goods seized by the command within the month of September.
The items include 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa, 98 parcels of 120mg Tramadol, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of second-hand clothing and 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine and five used vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value at N1,999billion.
“Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs, ” Adenuga said.
The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base ( FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways.
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint, ” he said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), will officially launch the Omi Eko Project on Friday, 17th October 2025, at Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo.
The unveiling, to be performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would feature key speakers and virtual project presentation.
According to a Statement, the event highlights the state’s dedication to advancing sustainable water transportation and smart city solutions.
The project aims to transform Lagos’s water transit with over 78 electric ferries, digital systems, and enhanced safety features, reducing commute times and promoting eco-friendly travel.
“The Omi Eko Project is poised to revolutionize Lagos’s water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability..
“With the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project will significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.”the statement added.
The Five Cowries Terminal, a key transport hub, underscores the integration of land and water mobility in Lagos’s Urban Mobility Plan.e Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, for the maiden summit of JustAlive Communications Limited, publishers of JustNet News to discuss infrastructural development trends in the sector.
By: By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos