The Nigerian government will next month begin training 2,000 ex-militants who gave up their arms in a national amnesty that ended in October 2009.

Speaking to the Punch, Timi Alaibe, specialist presidential adviser for the Niger Delta, said a faculty of 300 international training and rehabilitation experts have been consulted ahead of the launch of the training programme.

He added that there will be a focus on providing practical skills that will allow ex-militants to find work in the oil and gas industry.

"By the time we finish with the programme, we will be providing skilled people for the oil companies; some of them will get jobs in sea ferrying, welding and so forth," he said.

As a result of the training, oil production is expected to rise from 700,000 barrels a day to over 2.3 million barrels a day, Mr Alaibe added.

National production has been severely restricted by rebel activities in recent years, but last year's amnesty led to a suspension of hostilities, allowing oil companies to begin repair work on pipelines and wells attacked by groups such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta.

Getenergy for Western Africa