Nigeria will support the establishment of a new national oil and gas training institute in Uganda, according to Fidel Mama Ayogu, Nigeria's ambassador to the country.

Ugandan daily paper New Vision reports that the diplomat's comments came as Nigeria celebrated 50 years of independence, after the end of British colonial rule in 1960.

"We are still waiting the government's response on our proposal to provide development assistance for the petroleum training institute from the foreign affairs ministry," Mr Ayogu told reporters last week.

Daudi Migereko, Uganda's chief whip, thanked the diplomat for his assurance of cooperation and praised the Nigerian government and its people for investing in neighbouring Uganda.

Uganda is currently awaiting to achieve first oil in the Lake Albert Basin, following a highly successful drilling campaign by Tullow and Heritage.

However, a tax dispute following Tullow's buyout of Heritage's stake in the project is expected to cause delays.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development