Improving access to geosciences training courses may help to encourage Nigerians to enter the oil and gas industry.

Currently, there is a lack of availability of geoscientiests within the region, which is having an effect on the country's total oil output, reports Business Day.

The news provider claims that while there are other factors affecting output in the country - namely militant actions relating to control of resources - a lack of geoscientists is also affecting the rate at which new sources of oil are discovered.

Nonetheless, attracting such professionals remains difficult, the news provider adds, suggesting that there is a global shortfall of qualified professionals in this sector.

Boosting training in this area within Nigeria may well help to boost oil and gas output from the country, the report suggested.

In particular, there is a shortage of availability for training within Africa, it added.

Anglo-Dutch oil major Shell remains a key player in Nigeria, although rebel group the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta continue their fight for greater control of the country's resources.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development