By Obiabin Onukwugha
A total of 500 youths drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region have graduated ffrom a six-week training programme on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Autogas Conversion, sponsored by Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The initiative is in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, PCNGI, and the NDDC, to facilitate the implementation of the CNG policy in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that CNG was a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuel.
Ogbuku pointed out that the the aim is to make the the Niger Delta region, hub of engine conversion, and close skills gaps that would solve unemployment problems formyouths. “We are taking that bold initiative that will engage most of our youths.
“We understand the challenges facing our youth, such as unemployment, limited access to skills training and economic uncertainty. The NDDC remains committed to turning those challenges into opportunities,” he said.
The NDDC boss noted that implementing the CNG policy will create jobs and enable local technology transfer for youths and women by supporting auto manufacturing, retrofitting, conversions and production infrastructure.
“The more we train our youths in energy conversion facilities, the more youths we train to make them gainfully employed and financially independent. We want to make the Niger Delta the hub of CNG technicians in the country,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the NDDC for keying into the CNG initiative, noting that his state was also working on the programme.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, observed that the CNG initiative would help transform the Niger Delta region.
The Technical Assistant, Presidential CNG Initiative, Omoh Imuokhuede, stated that the Presidential initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, is a flagship programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, launched in 2023 under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Training Consultant, Mr Tunde Rena, highlighted the gains from embracing CNG, noting that the initiative would stimulate investment in Nigeria’s abundant gas market, develop sustainable local gas markets, and grow the economy while expanding the government’s revenue base.
He observed that as Nigeria expands the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can convert petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG, maintain systems, and manage related technologies. This is where the CNG Conversion Training Programme becomes critical.
The NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, affirmed that the CNG training was in line with the NDDC’s mandate to build human capacity and enhance Skills Development in the Niger Delta Region.
