Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has described partnership between National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV) as a strategic step toward equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills in fast-growing clean energy and automotive sector.

Speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the Minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government commitment to job creation, clean energy transition, technical innovation, and youth empowerment.

He emphasized that as government intensifies promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel, demand for skilled manpower in sector continues to rise.

Comrade Olawande said: “This collaboration goes beyond signing documents. It is about creating jobs, building skills, and preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within an evolving economy. Nigerian youths must not be left behind in harnessing vast opportunities within clean energy and automotive industries,” he added.

According to Minister, corps members under NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme will receive hands-on training in CNG conversion and maintenance, equipping them with technical competencies that promote employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

Comrade Olawande commended the NYSC, NADDC, and Pi-CNG for their commitment to expanding technical and vocational opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.

In welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by Director, Planning, Research & Statistics (PRS), Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, described the initiative as timely intervention that strengthens institutional collaboration and enhances effective policy implementation for youth empowerment in emerging sectors.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed Corps commitment to expanding the SAED programme to provide corps members with hands-on technical exposure that enhances employability and entrepreneurial capacity.

Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, noted that collaboration will accelerate local automotive innovation and build the skilled workforce required for Nigeria’s transition to clean energy mobility.

Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Special Assistant, Mr. Omo Imoukhuede, highlighted that partnership marks significant step toward deepening CNG adoption and electric vehicle integration, while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youths.

Special Assistant to President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, reaffirmed Presidency commitment to seamless implementation, effective monitoring, and measurable impact of youth-focused programmes under Renewed Hope Agenda.