Global and local stakeholders gathered in Lagos on Monday to discuss workforce development and skills capacity in Nigeria’s energy sector following the opening of a new training facility in the city.
The engagement comes amid longstanding concerns about skills gaps, limited local technical capacity, and the need for stronger workforce readiness as Nigeria seeks to meet evolving energy demands and regulatory requirements.
The Energy Industry Training Facility, located in Eko Atlantic City by Westpaq International, is intended to support professional training and capacity development for practitioners across the energy value chain, including service companies and regulatory bodies.
Improving technical competence
According to information shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the centre was established through a collaboration involving industry partners and is expected to host training programmes aimed at improving technical competence, leadership skills, and compliance with global industry standards.
Officials at the event included representatives of the United States Commercial Service and the US diplomatic mission in Nigeria, as well as energy sector professionals and industry stakeholders.
Participants at the gathering highlighted the need for sustained investment in human capital and institutional capacity as Nigeria seeks to address evolving energy demands and strengthen sector performance.
Industry development
A representative of Westpaq International described the new training centre as a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to support the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy industry.
“We are committed to working with our partners to build local capacity and drive innovation in the sector.”
Following the facility’s inauguration, Bradley McKinney, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the US Commercial Service, convened a roundtable with delegates from major US-Based energy and service firms operating in Nigeria.
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Participants included representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Schlumberger, Halliburton and Westpaq International.
The engagement examined areas for partnership, sector-specific challenges, and practical strategies to advance the development of Nigeria’s energy industry.
The Energy Industry Training Facility features advanced, cutting-edge equipment designed to deliver a high-quality learning experience for industry professionals.
It is set to host a variety of capacity-building programmes, including specialised training, workshops and seminars aimed at strengthening technical competence, leadership capacity and adherence to global industry standards.
