The Federal Government has initiated a training program for Nigerian youths in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, aimed at empowering the youth and decreasing the nation’s dependence on imported fuels. The training, held on September 11th and 12th, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was led by Hon. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, and Mr. Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
The event, titled “Harnessing Youth Potentials and Career Prospects in the Nigerian Automotive Sector with a Focus on the CNG Conversion Value Chain,” highlighted CNG technology’s environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced emissions, lower environmental impact, and cost savings.
Nigeria’s acquisition of over 3,000 CNG buses was showcased as a pivotal step toward sustainable public transportation, with plans for further expansion and infrastructure development.
Hon. Gbadamosi emphasized the Office of Youth Initiatives’ dedication to preparing young Nigerians for careers in the CNG sector, aiming to build local expertise and reduce reliance on foreign experts. Keynote speakers included Hon. Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports; Engr. Ayo Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development; Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); and Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director General of NADDC.
The speakers discussed the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in CNG conversions and explored career opportunities in vehicle conversions, cylinder installation, fueling station development, and supply chain management. They presented CNG as a promising sector for entrepreneurship and employment.
Technical sessions on the second day, led by industry experts, examined the role of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in developing and enforcing CNG conversion standards. The discussions emphasized collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to keep young professionals updated with the latest CNG technologies.
In a notable highlight, a participating youth received an on-the-spot job offer from a leading CNG conversion company, demonstrating the event’s impact.
Hon. Sunday Dare and Ayo Olawande emphasized the potential for youth-driven career development and business ventures in this burgeoning industry, urging young Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by the CNG sector.
Hon. Gbadamosi reaffirmed her office’s commitment to preparing Nigerian youth for the expanding CNG industry. With proper training, adherence to regulatory standards, and sector-wide collaboration, Nigeria’s transition to CNG could reduce fuel imports and create sustainable economic opportunities for its youth.
The event was attended by key government officials and private sector experts, who stressed the need for public-private partnerships to develop a robust CNG ecosystem. Government officials highlighted supportive policies, while private sector leaders offered insights into technical standards and requirements for successful CNG conversions.