Over 20,000 former militants are set to receive oil and gas industry training in Nigeria from today (June 28th).

According to presidential advisor Timi Alaibe, the new workers will begin training in Obubra, Cross River State in a move that could help address socio-economic problems in the Niger Delta area.

Speaking at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Mr Alaibe revealed the ex-militants would train for two weeks in batches of 2,000, the Nation reports.

"Within the period, we will document them properly, there will be biometric wellness test, guidance and counselling, peace and conflict resolution classes as well as re-integration classification," the presidential advisor on Niger Delta affairs told the newspaper.

Mr Alaibe added that the oil industry training could bring peace and attract more investment to the region, as well as increasing revenue for the government.

The militants agreed to disarm in September in return for oil industry training from the federal government and greater control over Nigeria's oil.

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