Experts Begin Conversation On Skills Innovation In Oil , Gas Industry

Skills innovation and human capital development are set to dominate discussions as experts and stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry converge in Delta State for the 2026 Human Capital Development (HCD) Conference and Expo of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN).

The three-day conference, holding at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, is themed: “Empowering People, Driving Performance, Shaping the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry.”

The gathering is expected to bring together industry professionals, trainers, businesses and other stakeholders to examine how workforce development, productivity and skills innovation can strengthen the sector’s long-term competitiveness.

The focus on human capital comes as Nigeria’s oil and gas industry navigates technological changes, evolving energy markets and growing demands for operational efficiency, creating increased pressure for a workforce equipped with relevant technical and digital skills.

The conference programme includes plenary sessions, exhibitions and interactive industry engagements aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants.

A golf tournament is scheduled for August 19 as a pre-conference activity ahead of the main programme.

The organisers will also stage hackathon challenges, providing participants with an opportunity to develop and showcase technology-driven solutions to challenges confronting the oil and gas industry.

Other activities include a welcome barbecue and the HCD Award Ceremony, which will recognise contributions to human capital development and industry performance.

The conference places workforce capability at the centre of discussions on the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with participants expected to explore ways of strengthening technical competence, leadership capacity and workforce productivity.

As the sector seeks to attract investment and remain competitive amid rapid technological change and shifts in the global energy landscape, stakeholders are increasingly focusing on skills development as a critical component of industry performance.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas and examine practical approaches to building a workforce capable of supporting the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.