The National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) has announced the Bahraini oil companies spent BHD9 million (£14.6 million) on staff training in 2008.

A new report from the group reveals that Bapco spent the largest sums, with nearly BHD7 million being spent on scholarships, training salaries and overseas training programmes.

Speaking to Gulf Daily News, oil and gas affairs minister and Noga chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza, said that looking after the industry's workforce was one of the primary directives laid down by King Hamad and prime minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa.

"They are considered the main source in increasing productivity in the oil and gas sector," said Mr Mirza.

Noga also reported that by the end of 2008, 87 per cent of the posts available in the oil and gas industry were filled by nationals as part of the Bahrainisation programme.

As well as fuelling economic growth in Bahrain, Noga also has responsibility for improving living standards throughout the kingdom.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development