NADDC DG, experts urges youth to adopt CNG initiative

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 concluded a two-day programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with career prospects in the automotive sector.

According to the organisers, the event is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNG-I).

Speaking at the event held in Abuja, Director General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, described Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The Guardian reports that the DG noted the economic and environmental benefits of CNG, particularly given Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.

Under the arrangement, the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) will facilitate the provision of free training kits, supported by a partnership with various government agencies including National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), 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.

Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, Titilope Gbadamosi, stressed 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.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, called for enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private organisations to fully explore CNG’s potential.

He noted the global shift towards alternative energy sources and urged investment in CNG infrastructure, training, and conversion.

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.

Speaking at 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.