By Faridat Salifu
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Emmanuel Great, Chairman of the Green Clean Energy and Gas Practitioners Association of Nigeria (GCEGPAN), has pledged to spearhead efforts to advance Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda, particularly through expanding the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Great shared this vision during the graduation of 23 newly certified CNG conversion technicians in Abuja, emphasizing the critical need for capacity-building to facilitate the country’s shift towards a greener, more sustainable energy future.
At the event, Great highlighted the vast untapped potential of alternative energy sources to address Nigeria’s energy crisis, which currently leaves over 90 million people without reliable access to electricity. “As we confront the ongoing challenges of energy scarcity, we must recognize the transformative power of alternative energy to improve lives and foster national development,” he said, pointing out that the lack of consistent power hinders Nigeria’s economic growth and exacerbates poverty.
David Audu, another key speaker at the ceremony, underscored the importance of developing a robust training and certification framework for CNG technicians.
He announced that GCEGPAN is pioneering Nigeria’s first formal recertification program for CNG technicians, a move aimed at ensuring the country’s workforce stays ahead of the curve as the renewable energy sector grows.
Audu reiterated the broader societal benefits of embracing alternative energy, noting that CNG could deliver affordable and reliable power, stimulate economic growth, and help protect the environment.
Mohammed Bawa, Managing Director of ABG Oil and Gas, also voiced strong support for the nation’s transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly the adoption of CNG for vehicles.
He praised the training program for teaching Nigerians how to convert petrol-powered vehicles to dual-fuel systems, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.
While acknowledging progress, Bawa called for greater industry collaboration to fast-track the national CNG initiative launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Odiase Nosakhome, a technician and quality control officer, shared his optimism about Nigeria’s growing shift toward green energy.
He noted the success of training 20 individuals in vehicle conversions to CNG, highlighting the practical, hands-on nature of the program, which also includes mentorship opportunities.
Nosakhome stressed that the widespread adoption of CNG could ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, benefiting the country’s more than three million vehicles currently reliant on petrol.
As Nigeria continues to explore and expand its renewable energy options, experts agree that the adoption of CNG is a promising pathway to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future—one that could ultimately transform the nation’s energy landscape and improve the lives of millions.
