The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has trained 500 youths from the Niger Delta on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) autogas conversion.

The six-week training programme ended with a graduation ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the managing director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the six-week training programme was to equip youths with skills in clean energy technology.

He described CNG as a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels.

“We want to make the Niger Delta a hub for engine conversion and CNG technicians in Nigeria,” Mr Ogbuku said.

He noted that the initiative would address unemployment and promote economic opportunities for youths and women.

“The more we train our youths, the more they become financially independent and productive,” he added.

Mr Ogbuku said the programme would support local technology transfer and boost vehicle conversion and manufacturing.

He recalled that NDDC partnered with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to drive the policy in the region.

In his goodwill message, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom commended the commission for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s CNG initiative.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, the governor said the initiative would transform the region and the national economy.

“The future of energy is evolving, while the global shift to cleaner energy presents new opportunities for the Niger Delta,” he said.

The executive director, projects, NDDC, Victor Antai, said the training was conducted in two batches of three weeks each.

He said participants were trained in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance, and safety standards in line with global best practice.

“This will support a sustainable transport system, create jobs across the region, and reduce harmful emissions,” Mr Antai said.

Ifedayo Abegunde, NDDC executive director, corporate services, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for gas development.

He added that the programme was part of efforts to provide economic relief and create opportunities for Nigerians.

Omoh Imuokhuede, technical assistant to the Presidential CNG Initiative, said the programme was launched in 2023 to address the country’s over-reliance on petrol and diesel.

He said it was a flagship project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The programme’s training consultant, Tunde Rena, expressed confidence that the initiative would boost investment in Nigeria’s gas sector.

“As adoption grows, demand for skilled CNG technicians will continue to increase,” he said. 

(NAN)