500 youths acquire CNG autogas conversion tech at NDDC training

Nigeria’s oil region may become the hub for autogas conversion of compressed natural gas (CNG) as 500 youths have graduated from training sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The training took place at a facility in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

By this, CNG conversion may be a new tech craft in the oil region as a benefit of the oil industry. It is expected to create a boon to transport industry.

NDDC officials highlighted some of the benefits of the CNG initiative, including the development of a more reliable and sustainable transportation sector, which would directly stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased demand for autogas specialists, thereby further reducing harmful emissions in line with NDDC’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that CNG is a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuel.

He declared, “We want to make the Niger Delta the hub of engine conversion, which can also be outsourced to other parts of Nigeria. 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.”

The NDDC boss noted that implementing the CNG policy would 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.”

Ogbuku recalled that the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) and the NDDC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the implementation of the CNG policy in the Niger Delta region.

In his goodwill message, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, commended the NDDC for keying into the CNG initiative, noting that his State is also working on the programme.

The governor, represented by Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, observed that the CNG initiative would help transform the Niger Delta region.

He remarked that the Niger Delta had long been the backbone of Nigeria’s energy economy, noting that the future of energy was evolving. “The global shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions presents new opportunities.”

Also speaking, Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director (Projects), noted that the Commission was created with a vision to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the region into an economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful area.

In his own remarks, Ifedayo Abegunde, the NDDC Executive Director (Corporate Services), noted that the CNG Initiative was a component of the Federal Government’s intervention to provide succour to Nigerians.

From his perspective, Akintunde Sawyerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), commended the NDDC for its forward-looking approach and alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for clean energy. He described the initiative as futuristic and praised the Commission for advancing the CNG agenda in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking in the same vein, Omoh Imuokhuede, the Technical Assistant, Presidential CNG Initiative, 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.

Tunde Rena, the Training Consultant, 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.

Lyna Okara, NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, 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.