Wexford company Chevron Training and Recruitment is to train 1,000 construction workers in Nigeria in a deal worth €3 million over three years.

Minister for Trade Joe Costello yesterday opened the company's inaugural training centre in Lagos.

“Ireland has a strong international reputation as a centre of quality education and training which is a good match for the needs of Nigeria’s growing economy. I believe this partnership will flourish and contribute in a very real way to supplying skilled workers to the Nigerian economy,” he said.

Chevron Training has partnered with Nigerian company ETIWA Vocational Training to provide construction workers in Nigeria with international best-practice training. The Wexford company has already delivered construction skills training to more than 30,000 international learners.

"As a developing country, with a population of over 160 million people, the role of training will be instrumental in ensuring that Nigeria maximises its potential," Chevron managing director Karl Fitzpatrick said.