The Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has emphasised the critical role of human capacity development in boosting Nigeria’s oil production and sustaining growth in the petroleum sector.

Speaking yesterday at a press briefing ahead of the 2026 Human Capacity Development (HCD) Conference and Trainers’ Fair, holding in Warri in August, President of OGTAN, Chris Osarumwense, said the industry continues to face significant gaps in skilled manpower, which could hinder efforts to maximise output.

According to him, one of the major challenges confronting operators is the shortage of personnel with the right knowledge, technical skills and professional attitude required to meet the evolving demands of the sector.

“Human capacity remains one of the biggest issues in the industry today. There is still a disconnect between what is taught in Nigerian universities and what the industry actually needs. In many cases, companies spend between 12 and 18 months retraining graduates before they become industry-ready,” he said.

Osarumwense explained that OGTAN was working to bridge the gap by strengthening collaboration between academia, training institutions and industry players to ensure that graduates are better aligned with workplace expectations.

He noted that the transition from international oil companies (IOCs) to indigenous operators has further heightened the urgency of building local capacity.

Despite the shift, he commended indigenous oil companies for sustaining and, in some cases, increasing production levels after taking over assets from IOCs, describing the achievement as encouraging but requiring sustained investment in human capital.

On rising production costs, Osarumwense identified security challenges, pipeline vandalism, and inefficient transportation systems as key drivers. He noted that reliance on alternative logistics, such as trucking instead of pipelines, significantly increases operational costs and reduces efficiency.

He, however, stressed that improved workforce competence, combined with better security and infrastructure, would help reduce production costs over time.

The OGTAN president also highlighted the growing impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and cybersecurity on the industry, noting that these innovations are reshaping required skill sets.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Funmi Ogbue, said the 2026 conference, scheduled to be held from August 25 to 27 at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta state, will focus on building a globally competitive workforce.

She said the event, themed ‘Empowering People. Driving Performance. Shaping the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry’, will convene regulators, operators, academia, and training providers to address workforce challenges and align training with global standards.

According to her, the conference will feature high-level policy dialogues, trainers’ fair showcasing innovative learning technologies, youth-focused programmes, and an awards ceremony recognising excellence in human capacity development.

She stressed that investment in people remains central to improving productivity, enhancing local content, and ensuring long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.