By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has intensified efforts to strengthen human capacity in the country’s oil and gas industry with plans to convene stakeholders for its 2026 Human Capacity Development (HCD) Conference and Trainers’ Fair aimed at building a globally competitive workforce.

Speaking in Abuja, OGTAN President, Mr. Chris Osarumwense, said the future competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry would depend largely on the quality, competence and adaptability of its workforce rather than solely on the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

According to him, the conference, scheduled for August 25 to 27, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Warri, Delta State, is designed as a strategic intervention to address skills gaps, promote innovation and enhance local content development.

He noted that the event, themed, “Empowering People. Driving Performance. Shaping the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry,” would bring together regulators, operators, service companies, training institutions, academia and young professionals to develop practical solutions for workforce development.

“As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the demand for highly skilled professionals capable of leveraging technology, driving operational excellence and delivering sustainable value has never been greater. Human capital development is therefore no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative,” Osarumwense said.

He explained that the conference would feature high-level policy discussions on workforce challenges, talent retention, digital transformation and the future of work, alongside a Trainers’ Fair showcasing emerging technologies including artificial intelligence applications, virtual and augmented reality simulators and competency management systems.

Osarumwense added that dedicated youth programmes would provide mentoring opportunities, innovation challenges and career sessions aimed at preparing the next generation of industry professionals.

He said investment in human capital remained essential to improving productivity, increasing local participation, fostering innovation and sustaining the competitiveness of Nigeria’s energy industry.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the conference, Ms. Funmi Ogbue, described the event as a platform to align training standards with global best practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

She said OGTAN, recognised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as the umbrella body for training and human capacity development organisations in the industry, was committed to building a Nigerian workforce capable of competing globally.

“Our purpose over those three days is simple and deliberate. We want to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce. We want to align how we train with the highest global standards. And we want to make certain that our industry remains competitive, innovative and sustainable for the decades ahead,” Ogbue said.

According to her, the conference will feature plenary sessions involving regulators, operators and trainers to address workforce development and policy alignment issues, while the OGTAN Young Professionals Innovation Challenge and Boot Camp will place emphasis on nurturing young talents.

She described the gathering as “a movement” aimed at bringing together regulators, academia, investors, operators and trainers to build the future of the industry.

OGTAN said the outcomes of the conference are expected to support Nigeria’s human capital agenda and advance the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act through enhanced capacity development and stronger industry capabilities.