Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for stronger synergy among the
operators, regulators, educational institutions, development partners, and training organizations to address the existing gap in the oil and gas industry.
Oborevwori made the call on Friday in a goodwill message at the “Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) Human capacity Development conference and Expo 2026”.
The three-day event was held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The governor who was represented by his Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Peter Uviejitobor, said that the greatest asset of any nation or state was the quality of its human capital.
Oborevwori said that the energy industry was fast evolving, following advances in technology, digitalization and automation and among others.
He said that those indices had made
investment in people more critical than ever
to keep pace with the global market dynamics.
He acknowledged OGTAN’s commitment to developing industrial skills, promoting internationally recognized certifications, strengthening research, and fostering innovation.
Oborevwori added that by so doing, OGTAN was contributing significantly to the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“I commend OGTAN for providing this important platform to deliberate on the future of human capital development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“We firmly believe that the greatest asset of any nation or state is not its natural resources, but the quality of its human capital.
‘Therefore, as the energy industry evolves with advances in technology, digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, cleaner energy solutions, and changing global market dynamics, investment in people has become more critical than ever,” he said.
Oborevwori said that sustainable development of the petroleum industry depended on a competent and globally competitive workforce.
The governor emphasised that Human capacity development was indispensable to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the attainment of Nigerian Content objectives, and the long-term sustainability of the energy sector.
He, therefore, noted that training institutions such as OGTAN occupied a strategic position in this national direction.
“Together, we must align training curricula with emerging industrial needs, expand apprenticeship opportunities, encourage technology transfer.
“We must prepare our workforce for careers in gas development, renewable energy, digital technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, industrial automation, and other emerging sectors of the evolving energy landscape,” he said.
Oborevwori said that
Delta State Government had placed Skills development and economic empowerment at the center of its developmental strategy.
He also said that his administration had made significant investments in strengthening technical colleges, vocational education
and other dedicated institutions to develop a highly skilled workforce.
The governor further said that the investments were aimed at equipping the young ones with the industrial relevant competencies to enhance their employability.
He said that the
commitment was about building a workforce capable of driving industrial growth, attracting investments and supporting indigenous participation.
He, however, said that the investment would position the state as a leading hub for energy, manufacturing, and technology-driven enterprises.