Key stakeholders in the Nigerian automobile industry have commended the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) for its initiative to organize a Training/Capacity Building Workshop on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) scheme of the Federal Government.
Some of the industry stakeholders said NAJA was showing the lead in the auto industry by propagating the government’s initiative, which they assured, would bring succor to motorists and Nigerians in general.
Slated for Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building, Ikeja on October 31, 2024, the one-day training is with the theme: CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria.’
Mr. Derek Ewelukwa, Managing Director, Jet Systems Limited, said the training and capacity building on the initiative was timely.
Ewelukwa, in an interaction with the NAJA Training Committee, described the initiative as an important step towards helping the public and key stakeholders better understand the government’s CNG initiative.
He insisted that auto journalists as a vehicle of information dissemination and a channel of enlightenment, play a critical role in breaking down complex issues like the CNG initiative, stressing that through this platform, the media was helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of cleaner energy options.
He enjoined other beat associations to emulate NAJA in propagating government schemes.
He added: “We want the public to understand the benefits of transitioning to CNG, as an alternative fuel to petrol and diesel, particularly in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.
“A key part of our participation will focus on addressing safety concerns and skepticism about the use of CNG, especially with fears surrounding gas explosions and/or fires. We will aim to educate and clarify that CNG systems are rigorously tested and designed with strict safety standards, making them a safe and reliable alternative.”
In his comment, Mr. Syam Abdul-Kadir, Operations Manager, Mikano Motors, said that the training would further bring to the fore necessary steps required by all; government, stakeholders and the public to make the new initiative work.
Like Ewelukwa, Abdul-Kadir, lauded the leadership of NAJA and its members for embracing the initiative, stressing that it would go a long way in boosting its public acceptance.
He maintained that as a new development, sensitizing and educating the public with accurate and factual information was key.
He posited that by sharing the facts and statistics with the public, the company also intended to prevent a widespread fear of the unknown and provide them with renewed hope for a better Nigeria.
He added: “everybody is a stakeholder, whether you choose to use CNG powered vehicles or not, the CNG initiative on transportation will support the ease-of-doing business. It also has less emission than fuel, so everyone is impacted”.
“It is critical to emphasize that all stakeholders need to be aware that the correct certifications and adherence to global standards for CNG use must be implemented. From the appropriate certified tanks and parts to the correct standards for dispensing, the goal is to encourage the use of CNG vehicles correctly.”
Also, Adrian Egonu, Chairman of the 2024 Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop Committee, said that through the training in the past, many members of the auto journalists’ association had enhanced their knowledge base of the industry.
Egonu explained that NAJA was intentional with the 2024 theme, noting that the Federal Government in the last 16 months had taken some giant steps to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electric Vehicles (EV), in line with global best practices for cleaner burning automotive fuels.
The Committee Chairman assured that the 2024 edition would further ensure improved knowledge and skills of the journalists and commended sponsors for partnering with the association in its drive to contribute to the auto industry not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
He declared that the training would afford industry investors and sponsors the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.
Also, Mike Ochonma, Chairman, NAJA, in his comment, commended the sponsors and partners for associating with NAJA.
He assured that NAJA as the fourth estate of the realm would continue to play its critical roles of information, education and opinion molding without bias.
Other industry leaders that have confirmed participation include, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mikano Motors Nigeria Limited, CFAO Mobility, Jet Systems Automobiles, Fixit45 Limited, Pi-CNG and others.
