NADDC Empowers 60 Imo Youths in CNG Conversion Training
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has recently concluded a comprehensive training program in Owerri, Imo State, aimed at equipping 60 youths with specialized skills in converting petrol-powered vehicles to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s strategic move towards sustainable energy solutions and reflects the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and economic resilience.
The CNG Empowerment and Awareness Summit 2025, themed “Building a Youth-Based Nation Through Cleaner Energy,” served as the platform for this training. The summit focused on raising awareness about the safety, standards, and regulations associated with CNG as a viable alternative fuel for transportation. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, emphasized the council’s dedication to promoting CNG adoption through robust policies, skill development programs, standardization efforts, and stringent monitoring of CNG conversion centers.
The success of this initiative is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. Osanipin acknowledged the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kojo Motors, and the Imo State Government in advancing the CNG adoption agenda. He highlighted that such collaborations not only enhance the technical skills of youths and technicians but also contribute significantly to the growth and modernization of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Transitioning to CNG presents multiple advantages. Environmentally, CNG is a cleaner-burning alternative to petrol, leading to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an improvement in air quality. Economically, Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves position CNG as a cost-effective energy option, reducing reliance on imported petrol and enhancing national energy security. Vehicle owners stand to benefit from lower fuel costs, and the automotive industry is poised to create new employment opportunities for technicians and mechanics specializing in CNG technologies.
The Imo State Government has demonstrated strong commitment to this initiative. Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Hon. Mandila Okaegbu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his efforts in mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal and reducing energy costs. The state government has allocated land for the establishment of a CNG conversion workshop, underscoring its dedication to supporting sustainable energy solutions and youth empowerment.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized that empowering youths with specialized skills is crucial for unlocking their entrepreneurial potential, which in turn fosters personal and communal growth. He encouraged participants to fully embrace the training opportunity, aligning it with the state’s broader goals of youth development and innovation. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities and promoting sustainable practices within the automotive sector.
The Federal Government’s support for this initiative is evident. Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, represented by Professor Anoka Njan, highlighted that the five-day training aimed to equip technicians with the knowledge, skills, and competence required to safely and efficiently convert vehicles to run on CNG. This aligns with the national agenda to adopt cleaner energy sources and reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels.