Nigeria Must Reduce Dependence On Foreign Expertise – Content Board

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reiterated its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign expertise in the construction sector by equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

The Board, in partnership with Dothraki International Limited, has commenced a 21-day intensive building construction training programme for 25 youths in Bayelsa State to promote local content and create employment opportunities.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Yenagoa, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, represented by Mr Zibai Prince, stated that the Board’s mandate extends beyond regulation to encompass human capacity development and job creation.

“As a board, our mandate goes beyond regulating local content. We are deeply committed to capacity building, job creation, empowering Nigerians with relevant, technical and vocational skills to actively participate in the nation’s development,” Ogbe said.

He added that the initiative was part of the Board’s efforts to close the widening skill gap in the construction industry.

“Across Nigeria, we have noticed a skill or knowledge gap in the construction sector and the overdependence on foreign expertise. That is why we embarked on such training to equip our youths with the relevant knowledge to close that gap,” he added.

A representative of Dothraki International Limited, Mr Daniel Ademola, said the training was designed to equip participants with practical, employable skills that would make them self-reliant.

“This event marks the beginning of a journey of empowerment, skill development, and transformation. Through this training, we aim to provide beneficiaries with the competence required to build sustainable careers and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large,” Ademola said.

He explained that the programme would expose participants to hands-on training in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and finishing works, and commended NCDMB for its continuous support in promoting local content development across the country.

One of the facilitators, Engr. Tekena, said the programme would help participants gain practical experience and confidence to manage or supervise construction sites.

“The beneficiaries are expected to have the basic knowledge of building construction so that at the end of the training, they can manage a site or even start their own registered construction companies,” Tekena said.

Some participants expressed appreciation to the organisers for the opportunity. Glory Nnaji, from Enugu State, said she joined the programme to acquire practical skills and become self-reliant.

“I love this kind of opportunity and I am happy to be part of it. Whenever you see this kind of training as a young person, don’t slack. Most great entrepreneurs started this way,” she said.

Another participant, Ofori Ombe, from Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa State, said he was grateful to finally be part of an NCDMB programme.

“I believe I will use this to empower myself. From now till some years to come, I know I am going to own a construction company, empower people around me and execute building projects,” he said.