Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, with its joint venture partners and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, on Friday commissioned a world-class geosciences centre at the University of Lagos. The facility was approved by NCDMB and executed by SNEPCo and its JV partners as part of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development programme, which has focused lately on institutional strengthening, equipping universities, and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, in a bid to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.
In a statement on Sunday, made available to our correspondent in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, remarked that human capital development sits at the core of the Nigerian content mandate, and the new centre reflects a clear commitment to building local capacity and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global energy industry.
He highlighted that geosciences is the pathway to the discovery of new oil and gas deposits, and the centre will contribute to NCDMB’s drive to enable new oil and gas projects, in accordance with the policy directives of President Bola Tinubu. Represented by the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Engr.
Abayomi Bamidele pointed out that geosciences was included in the top ten skills in NCDMB’s Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training, where the agency will train 10,000 young Nigerians in critical industry skills that will position them for opportunities in new oil and gas projects.
The UNILAG geosciences centre will participate in that programme, he assured, adding that NCDMB prioritises patronage of locally made goods and capacities. He said, “There are three things we work on. First, any good produced in-country, as long as it can be applied in the oil and gas industry, the law requires that we patronise you.
Secondly, if you own any asset that is very useful in the oil and gas industry and you have our requisite certificates, the law requires that you get patronage. Lastly, and most important, the human side of things, which involves building human capacities.” On why UNILAG was chosen for the project, the NCDMB boss said projects are selected depending on the skill sets identified in a particular institution.
He noted that data shows that the institution has competencies in geosciences and other related fields. He disclosed that the board will continue to promote similar centres across institutions in the country to assist in developing local capabilities. He encouraged the staff and students to make optimal use of the facility to improve their knowledge.
In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, charged players in various sectors of the Nigerian economy to develop homegrown solutions for sustainable development. Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Tolani Sule, the governor noted that the knowledge and skills developed locally would have wider relevance in environmental management, infrastructure development, and other critical areas.
According to him, Lagos depends on the strength of its people, while its growth, resilience, and continued success come down to how well its young people are prepared for the future. “This centre adds to that preparation. It helps us build a workforce that is skilled, confident, and ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
It also strengthens Lagos as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and enterprise, where ideas are not just discussed but developed into solutions. “When you look at it from a national perspective, the importance becomes even clearer. Nigeria cannot continue to rely heavily on external expertise in critical sectors.