NCDMB, Chevron, Bristow launch first-of-its-kind helicopter pilot training for 10 Nigerians

Ten young Nigerians will spend the next 18 months learning to fly helicopters — and the government hopes they'll help fix a long-standing gap in the oil and gas industry.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Chevron Nigeria Limited, and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited kicked off the pilot training programme in Lagos on Wednesday. It's the first time these three organisations have come together to train helicopter pilots specifically for the oil and gas sector.

The programme is part of NCDMB's Field Readiness Training initiative, which aims to train over 10,000 young graduates and technicians in 10 high-demand skills. The board launched the initiative in response to new investments and projects in Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

Helicopter piloting was identified as a priority skill. The sector has long relied on foreign pilots for offshore operations, and local talent is scarce.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe — represented by the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele — said the programme is more than just training. "It represents the opening of a rare opportunity for young Nigerians to build careers in a highly specialised profession," he said.

The 18-month training combines classroom instruction, ground training, and practical flight operations. Trainees will earn both Private Pilot Licences and Commercial Pilot Licences.

Bamidele added that the programme reflects the board's commitment to building local capacity and deepening Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry.

Ms. Alexis Emelle, General Manager of Human Capacity Development at NCDMB, urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously. She reminded them that significant resources have been committed to their development and asked them not to forget where they came from as they progress in their careers.

Chevron's General Manager for Nigerian Content Development, Ikhuoria Aimienwanu, spoke on behalf of the company's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Oduselu Olusoga. He described the initiative as a significant milestone and said it was conceived to address the shortage of indigenous pilots.

"Chevron's commitment extends beyond infrastructure and facilities to the development of people," Aimienwanu said. He noted that the programme was designed to train Nigerians to international standards and prepare them for global aviation opportunities.

The Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, Capt. Oladapo Oyeleke, said the company has trained aviation professionals for over 60 years and has produced more than 500 pilots across different jurisdictions. He called the programme another milestone in Bristow's history and said it's the first of many similar programmes expected in the future.

Capt. Oyeleke warned the trainees not to underestimate the challenge ahead. He said helicopter operations in the energy sector are highly complex and demand exceptional competence and discipline.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Itorobong Inyang, described her selection as a proud moment. She said she'd always viewed the aviation industry as male-dominated and sees this as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes about women in aviation.

The NCDMB's Field Readiness Training programme was spurred by the resurgence of big-ticket investments in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. International and indigenous companies have launched several new projects recently, creating demand for skilled workers.

The board has identified 10 priority skills under the initiative. Helicopter piloting is the first to be rolled out. The programme targets young graduates and technicians who will be positioned to take part actively in ongoing and future oil and gas projects.