The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, announced on Wednesday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Portsmouth (UoP), UK, aimed at building human capacity in the oil and gas sector.
He explained that the partnership would facilitate resource exchange to train Nigerians in-country, aligning with global energy transition trends while enhancing local expertise.
Lokpobiri emphasized that the MoU marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to localize capacity development.
“While the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has collaborated with UoP for years to train Nigerians abroad, we are now bringing such partnerships home to expand access and train even more people,” he stated.
“In this critical era of energy transition, human capacity development is as essential as financing the transition itself,” he added.
Lokpobiri had previously visited Scotland for a similar engagement, further underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration.
“Our goal is not just to enhance skills for the oil and gas industry but to equip Nigerians to thrive beyond our borders,” he said.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised the initiative’s potential impact, stating, “The MoU between the Federal Government and the University of Portsmouth is a commendable step in repositioning our workforce for the global energy landscape.
“I am particularly impressed by the inclusivity of this effort, which prioritizes the growth of Nigerians within our shores.”
Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary of the PTDF, called the MoU a significant achievement in the Fund’s mission to build local capacity.
“By bringing this collaboration to Nigeria, we are expanding the reach and accessibility of these opportunities, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Prof. Graham Galbraith, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “This collaboration highlights our commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise to foster sustainable development, especially as the world navigates the challenges of the energy transition.”
