A group of 24 young and talented workers from Niger's Niger Delta region have completed a comprehensive training course that qualifies them to become welding instructors.

The community outreach programme, organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC), trained students in line with standards established by the Nigerian and South African Institutes of Welding.

Now, the cadre of students is expected to return to the Delta region to train additional young workers, preparing them for a career in the country's oil and gas industry.

Following a sustained campaign of rebel violence and sabotage directed against foreign oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, the regional and national governments of Nigeria have established a legislative framework to promote prosperity and stability by increasing access to employment in the energy sector.

This has involved imposing strict localisation regulations on foreign oil companies working in the region, as well as a landmark agreement to rebels who have downed their weapons.

Getenergy for Western Africa