The Nigerian National Petroleum Corp (NNPC) has pledged to commit substantial funds to an 'aggressive' training and development programme for its staff.

All Africa reports that the group managing director of the company Austen Oniwon said that training will be essential to develop both the capacity of the NNPC and the Nigerian oil and gas industry as a whole.

"The focus of the management under my leadership is to make sure that the human resource of the corporation - which is our most invaluable asset - is regularly sent on training," said Mr Oniwon during a public meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

He explained that training will be integral to achieving the NNPC's goal of becoming a leading national oil and gas operator.

Under new legislation introduced earlier this year, international oil companies are also bound to adhere to strict training programmes and local hiring programmes to ensure that Nigerians can find a place in the energy industry.

Getenergy for Western Africa