PTDF Establishes Centres, Upgrades Facilities To Spur Energy Sector Growth – ES

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) says it has upgraded facilities in petroleum based departments of various universities to meet the training needs of energy and related industries in Nigeria.

The Fund also established two foremost centres of excellence at the Centre for Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK), Kaduna and Centre for Skills Development and Training (CDST), Port Harcourt.

Mr Aminu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, PTDF, said this at the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF 2024) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), on Thursday in Abuja.

The SPE-OLEF with the theme: “Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation and Security”, is being hosted by the PTDF.

Represented by Olayinka Agboola, General Manager, Planning and Documentation Department, PTDF, Ahmed said once fully operational, the centres were expected to meet all the training needs of the energy and related industries.

According to Ahmed, the PTDF as the capacity building agency of the Federal Government, is committed to developing a skilled workforce to drive the transformation of the energy sector in Nigeria.

“This is being done primarily through our established Human Capacity Development programmes, through institutional capacity building, as well as research and development activities.

“PTDF’s mandate is being activated through various initiatives such as the Scholarship Programmes, both Overseas and In-Country schemes, which is designed to empower young Nigerians with education in energy sector relevant disciplines.

“It engages in training and capacity building through organising training programmes, workshops, seminars and conferences to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals already working in the oil and gas sector.

“Supporting research and development initiatives in collaboration with universities and research institutions to foster innovation and technological advancements in the oil and gas sector.

“This helps in creating a pool of skilled professionals capable of addressing industry challenges,” he said.

The PTDF helmsman said the Fund was fully dedicated to supporting initiatives that would foster innovation, sustainability and growth in the industry.

According to him, addressing industry challenges requires concerted efforts and comprehensive interventions across various domains with urgent consideration to investment in infrastructure, improve transportation networks and enhance security measures.

“I commend the SPE Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to the advancement of the industry. Your role in nurturing a community of professionals who are dedicated to excellence and innovation in the petroleum sector is invaluable.

“Together, we stand at the forefront of navigating the complexities of the energy landscape, advocating for best practices, and spearheading initiatives that will shape the future of our industry,” he added.

The SPE OLEF which debuted in 1991 is focused on contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry policy development in commemoration of the first commercial oil discovery in Nigeria by Shell D’Arcy at Oloibiri, Bayelsa in 1956. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali