Acknowledging a shortage of skilled workers in the oil and gas sector, Nigeria and the UK have signed an agreement to cooperate in the training of employees and future industry professionals.

According to a statement released on the back of Nigerian minister of state for energy Odein Ajumogobia's meeting with UK energy minister Malcolm Wicks, the two countries will work together through the International Energy Forum and OPEC to both build skills and to develop new technology aimed at improving energy efficiency.

Mr Wicks told Nigeria's Punch newspaper: "I want to understand the energy challenges in Nigeria and see if Britain with its energy experience and expertise can help in any way we can to implement reforms.

"I feel that we have a lot to learn from one another."

Recent unrest in the Niger Delta region has seen Nigeria lose its position as Africa's largest oil producer to Angola, the latest figures from OPEC reveal.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development