PTDF, SSDC Explore Partnership on Skills Development

The Managing Director and CEO of the South-south Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has expressed her interest in collaborating with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on skills development initiatives. During a visit to the PTDF's headquarters in Abuja, Akpabio suggested leveraging the Fund's Centre for Skills Development and Training (CSDT) in Port Harcourt to prepare young people from the South-south region for relevant opportunities.

This partnership aims to expand skills development initiatives in the region without duplicating existing structures.

The proposal for joint training opportunities between the SSDC and PTDF was made during Akpabio's courtesy visit to the PTDF's Executive Secretary, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu. Akpabio proposed the appointment of focal persons within both organizations to identify immediate areas of mutual interest and develop a framework for joint implementation. She highlighted the existing expertise and infrastructure of PTDF, which could be utilized by the SSDC to augment their skills development efforts in the South-south region.

Prof. Aliyu acknowledged the importance of the South-south region in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, emphasizing the significance the federal government places on the area. He stated that the PTDF is eager to establish a partnership with the SSDC to accelerate the achievement of their respective objectives. Aliyu expressed the Fund's willingness to extend its support to the commission, indicating that both organizations are enthusiastic about exploring this new partnership opportunity.