The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, has held a two-day program aimed at equipping young Nigerians with career prospects in the automotive sector.
This initiative is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNG-I).
Mr. Joseph Osanipin, Director General of NADDC, underscored the significance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of CNG, particularly given Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.
“The Presidential CNG Initiative,” he explained, “will facilitate the provision of free training kits, supported by a partnership with various government agencies including NASENI and the Standards Organization of Nigeria, as well as private sector entities such as the Bank of Industry.
“This collaborative effort aims to unlock the sector’s potential and create new opportunities within the CNG value chain.”
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, emphasized the economic advantages of CNG, particularly in reducing transportation costs and creating job opportunities within the conversion value chain. She announced that training programs across various states will begin next week, focusing on CNG vehicle conversion.
Highlighting the global shift towards alternative energy sources and urged investment in CNG infrastructure, training, and conversion, Hon. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, State Minister of Youth, also at the event, called for enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private organizations to fully explore CNG’s potential. He
CIG Motors Nigeria, represented by General Manager Manyo Pan, also supported the initiative by giving away an Electric Vehicle to one of the participants of the event.
Pan highlighted CIG Motors’ role as a key player in the CNG conversion industry and their commitment to developing the next generation of experts. As part of their contribution, CIG Motors will sponsor 25 students from Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) for an 18-month program in China. Upon completion, these students will return to Nigeria to train others, further expanding the skills base in the automotive sector.
The event marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s push towards a sustainable energy future and showcased the government’s dedication to empowering its youth through innovative solutions and career development opportunities.
