The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated training young people in the conversion of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a means of empowering the youth and lowering the nation’s dependency on foreign fuels.
On September 11 and 12, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, a two-day event entitled “Harnessing Youth Potentials and Career Prospects in the Nigerian Automotive Sector with a Focus on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Value Chain” got underway.
The event was organised by Mr. Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Hon. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives.
The occasion emphasised the financial and ecological benefits of CNG technology, such as lower emissions, less of an influence on the environment, and cost savings.
Nigeria’s purchasing of over 3,000 CNG buses was hailed as a significant step towards sustainable public transport, with plans for future expansion and infrastructure improvement.
According to Hon. Gbadamosi, the Office of Youth Initiatives is dedicated to preparing young Nigerians for job opportunities in the CNG industry. She emphasised the necessity of leveraging local talent in CNG technology, claiming that it will not only create jobs but also lessen the country’s dependency on foreign experts.
Notable figures who delivered keynote addresses 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 emphasised the significance of strong regulatory frameworks for ensuring CNG conversion safety, quality, and reliability.
They also talked about career opportunities in vehicle conversions, cylinder installation, fuelling station development, and supply chain management, highlighting CNG as a viable sector for entrepreneurship and employment. On the second day of the event, technical workshops held by industry experts discussed the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in defining and enforcing standards for CNG conversion.
In a surprising illustration of the event’s impact, a participating kid was offered a job on the spot by a renowned CNG conversion firm.
Hon. Sunday Dare and Ayo Olawande underlined the opportunities for youth-led career development and commercial enterprises in this burgeoning industry.They urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunities provided by the CNG sector.
In her remarks, Gbadamosi emphasised her office’s commitment to preparing Nigerian young for the booming CNG business. With proper training, adherence to regulatory requirements, and sector-wide collaboration, Nigeria’s transition to CNG has the potential to lessen dependency on imported fuels while also creating long-term economic prospects for the country’s youth.
Prominent figures from the public and business sectors spoke at the event, emphasising the significance of public-private cooperation in creating a strong CNG ecosystem.
While representatives of the business sector offered insights into the technical standards and prerequisites for successful CNG conversions, government officials emphasised measures that are beneficial.
In Essence
The Federal Government’s initiative to train adolescents in compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion represents a forward-thinking strategy for addressing multiple challenges in Nigeria, including youth unemployment, environmental concerns, and reliance on foreign fuel sources.
This program could open up numerous opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in the evolving automotive sector, particularly as the country expands its use of CNG technology to support sustainable transportation.
By focusing on both the financial and ecological benefits of CNG, the government is aligning with global trends toward cleaner energy while positioning the youth for careers in this emerging field. With key figures like Hon.
Titilope Gbadamosi and Engr. Ayo Olawande pushing for local talent development, the initiative underscores the importance of building indigenous expertise to reduce reliance on foreign specialists.
