FG urges PTI to train skilled workers for Nigeria’s oil transition
The Federal Government has called on the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, to intensify the training of skilled manpower needed to drive Nigeria’s ongoing energy transition and sustain growth in the oil and gas sector.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the call on Tuesday during the 2025 Convocation Ceremony of the institute, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to building a knowledge-based, technology-driven energy workforce.
Minister’s remarks
“The global energy landscape is rapidly changing. As the world shifts toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems, Nigeria must prepare a workforce equipped with the right technical and digital skills,” Lokpobiri said.
He urged PTI to design programmes that blend traditional petroleum engineering disciplines with emerging fields such as renewable energy technology, gas processing, carbon management, and energy efficiency.
“We must begin to train technicians and engineers who can manage both oil-based and non-oil energy systems. This is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s competitiveness in the decades ahead,” he added.
PTI’s role in national development
The minister described PTI as a strategic national asset, noting that its graduates have continued to play vital roles in Nigeria’s upstream and downstream oil sectors, as well as in industrial operations across West Africa.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide support to upgrade PTI’s facilities, laboratories, and training centres to meet global standards.
“The institute’s contribution to the human capital base of our energy sector cannot be overstated. We must empower PTI to lead the next phase of Nigeria’s oil and gas transformation,” he said.
PTI management responds
Earlier in his address, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Henry Adimula, said the institute remains committed to producing graduates who meet the dynamic needs of the industry.
“We are expanding our curriculum to include renewable energy studies, mechatronics, and data analytics to align with global best practices. Our goal is to be Africa’s leading energy training hub,” Adimula said.
He revealed that the institute has partnered with international oil companies (IOCs), research institutions, and technology firms to enhance capacity building and promote innovation among students.
Background
Founded in 1973, the Petroleum Training Institute is Nigeria’s foremost institution dedicated to technical education and research in petroleum technology. It operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and serves as the training arm of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The institute has trained over 50,000 professionals who now serve in key technical and managerial roles across the country’s oil, gas, and energy industries.
Energy transition goals
Nigeria has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and is currently implementing policies to expand renewable energy use, deepen natural gas utilization, and reduce emissions from oil operations.
Lokpobiri said PTI’s role will be central to achieving those goals:
“No transition can succeed without the right human resources. PTI must therefore continue to serve as the engine room for Nigeria’s energy workforce,” the minister concluded.
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