The Federal Government has launched a training program aimed at empowering Nigerian youth in the field of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuels and enhance local expertise in sustainable energy solutions.
The two-day event, titled “Harnessing Youth Potentials and Career Prospects in the Nigerian Automotive Sector with a Focus on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Value Chain,” was held on September 11th and 12th, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The program is spearheaded 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 showcased the environmental and economic benefits of CNG technology, including its role in reducing emissions, lowering environmental impact, and offering cost savings. A highlight of the program was the presentation of Nigeria’s acquisition of over 3,000 CNG buses, signaling a significant step towards sustainable public transportation with future plans for further expansion and infrastructure development.
Hon. Gbadamosi emphasized the Office of Youth Initiatives’ commitment to preparing young Nigerians for careers in the CNG sector. She stressed that fostering local expertise in CNG technology would create job opportunities and decrease reliance on foreign specialists.
Keynote addresses were delivered by prominent figures including 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. They underscored the importance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in CNG conversions.
The speakers also highlighted career opportunities within the CNG sector, including roles in vehicle conversions, cylinder installation, fueling station development, and supply chain management. The sector was presented as a promising area for entrepreneurship and employment.
On the second day of the event, technical sessions led by industry experts focused on the role of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in setting and enforcing standards for CNG conversion. Discussions emphasized the need for collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to keep professionals updated with the latest CNG technologies.
In a notable development, a participating youth received an immediate job offer from a leading CNG conversion company, demonstrating the event’s impact on career opportunities.
Both Hon. Sunday Dare and Ayo Olawande highlighted the potential for youth-driven career development and business ventures within the growing CNG industry. They encouraged young Nigerians to seize the opportunities provided by the sector.
Hon. Gbadamosi reaffirmed her office’s dedication to preparing Nigerian youth for success in the expanding CNG industry. She expressed confidence that with proper training, adherence to regulatory standards, and sector-wide collaboration, Nigeria’s transition to CNG could significantly reduce fuel import dependence and create sustainable economic opportunities for the nation’s youth.
The event was attended by key government officials and private sector experts, who emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to build a robust CNG ecosystem. Government officials highlighted supportive policies, while private sector leaders provided insights into technical standards and requirements for successful CNG conversions.
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