The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) Limited and Geoplex Drillteq Limited, on Thursday in Port Harcourt graduated seven young Nigerian engineers and geologists in Directional Drilling and Evaluation Services (DD/MWD) and Electric Wireline Evaluation Services (EWL).

Biztellers reports that the trainees collectively received 18 international certifications from reputable European organisations for their training.

Under the contractual framework provided by SNEPCO, Directional Drilling and Evaluation exposed the trainees to jar maintenance, bottom-hole assembly components, measurement-while-drilling principles, formation integrity and leak-off test procedures. For Electric Wireline Services, they had hands-on training on wireline logging, cement evaluation, perforation operations, pressure-control equipment, and rig-up and rig-down activities.

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In a keynote address, the Director, Capacity Building Directorate (CBD) of the NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, represented by the Deputy Manager in the unit, Mr. Tareowei Bufazi, noted with satisfaction that the trainees had a detailed curriculum for the two programmes implemented concurrently under the SNEPCO contracts.

He described the classroom sessions of the programmes and the on-the-job training in live projects as rigorous, pointing out that trainees have been adequately prepared for major opportunities globally and Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) that are coming on stream.

He told the graduands that the knowledge, skills and certifications they have acquired should serve as “a foundation for continuous learning and professional growth,” and that they would be remembered for problems they are able to solve, standards they are able to uphold, and value they create.

“The world you are entering is competitive, demanding, and constantly evolving,” he explained, adding, “you have already proven that you can rise above challenges….Be courageous enough to seize opportunities and resilient enough to overcome setbacks.”

The CBD boss commended SNEPCO for their commitment to the successful implementation of the programme and for investing in the development of Nigerian talent. He also thanked Geoplex and Arewa Innovative Solutions for their respective roles.

Earlier in opening remarks, Mr. Kingsley Erhunmwunsee, of SNEPCO Limited, stated that his company treats local content as an investment in Nigeria’s future, and not just as a regulatory obligation. He emphasised that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry needs highly skilled people who can operate safely, solve complex problems, embrace new technologies and deliver world-class performance.

According to him, “Developing that capability within Nigeria strengthens not only individual careers, but also our companies and the Nigerian economy.” He expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for its sustained efforts in local content development and for the support it provided toward the successful implementation of the training programme.

The United States has delivered a fresh consignment of military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as Washington and Abuja continue to deepen their security partnership in the fight against terrorism and other threats in the region.

The equipment was transported by a United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and delivered at locations in Lagos and Kainji, according to the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM.

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AFRICOM announced the delivery on Thursday, describing it as another demonstration of the growing defence cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

“Partnership in action,” the command said, explaining that the equipment was supplied under a Foreign Military Sales agreement between both countries.

AFRICOM said the delivery would support Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region and further strengthen the defence partnership between Washington and Abuja.

Images released through the US Department of Defense’s visual information platform, DVIDS, showed the C-17 aircraft and personnel involved in the offloading of the equipment in Lagos and Kainji.

However, AFRICOM has not disclosed the specific type, quantity or financial value of the military equipment delivered.

The command also emphasised that the support was provided at Nigeria’s invitation and was intended to strengthen Nigerian-led counterterrorism operations while respecting the country’s sovereignty.

US-Nigeria Security Cooperation

The latest delivery comes less than a month after senior Nigerian and US officials met in Washington to review the countries’ security partnership.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led a Nigerian delegation to the second session of the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group on August 13.

The meeting focused on several security issues, including counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, terrorism financing, border security, protection of vulnerable communities, internally displaced persons and military-to-military cooperation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions were also aimed at reviewing the countries’ defence roadmap and determining the next phase of their security collaboration.

The latest military equipment delivery adds another layer to the expanding cooperation, particularly as Nigeria continues to battle terrorism and insurgency in parts of the country.

Expanding Counterterrorism Cooperation

US-Nigeria military cooperation has also expanded through joint counterterrorism efforts.

In May, AFRICOM, working with the Nigerian government, conducted an operation against ISIS targets in northeastern Nigeria. The operation killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom AFRICOM described as the group’s director of global operations, alongside other senior ISIS figures.

The US command subsequently carried out additional strikes against ISIS targets in northeastern Nigeria in coordination with Abuja.

The jostle for the position of the next Director-General (DG) of the institution that impacts Nigeria’s public health by regulating the making, importing, exporting, selling, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, detergents, and packaged water is heating up.

Biztellers reports that with the second and final tenure of the incumbent DG, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye expected to statutorily end on December 1, 2027, several people have started canvassing openly to replace her.

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Prominent among the contenders is a serving director of the Agency, Olatunde Isaac.
Isaac took to his verified handle on X to pitch his credentials to Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He wrote, “I have served at NAFDAC for nearly a decade and dedicated years of my career to the fight against counterfeit and substandard medicines and unsafe food products.

“My work in this area earned me the NAFDAC Director-General’s Merit Award in recognition of my contribution to the fight against fake food and drugs.

“Mr. President, I am not asking for a favour. I am offering competence, experience and a proven commitment to the national interest.

“Make me the Director-General of NAFDAC, give me the mandate and the institutional backing, and I will take the fight against counterfeit medicines and unsafe foods to an entirely different level.

“Within the first six months, I will target a minimum 60% reduction in the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines and unsafe regulated products, with the ultimate objective of driving the menace to the barest minimum within one year.

“Nigeria does not lack capable professionals. Sometimes, what is needed is simply the courage to put the right person in the right place.

“Give me the mandate. Give me the tools. I will deliver.

“Nigeria deserves a stronger, more effective war against fake drugs and unsafe foods.”