An investment is to be made in oil and gas training in Nigeria, it has emerged.

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is to invest N17.5 billion (£84.8 million) in the oil and gas industry in the country to improve teaching facilities at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun, Delta State, reported AllAfrica Global Media.

Executive secretary of PTDF, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, announced the decision on a radio Nigeria network phone-in programme.

Alhaji Mohammed said: "The idea is to enable Nigerians participate in the execution of oil and gas projects, to get the required manpower that will participate in the industry."

He added that scholarships for oil and gas training at universities will be supported by the fund.

A policy to achieve local content in oil and gas in Nigeria by 2020 was announced by the executive secretary, as well as a partnership with the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation, the website published.

The PTDF was established in 1973 by the Federal Military Government.

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