The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has trained and graduated 500 youths from across the nine Niger Delta states in compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, in a move aimed at building technical capacity, creating jobs, and positioning the region as a hub for clean energy services.
The beneficiaries completed an intensive six-week training programme focused on autogas conversion, equipping them with practical skills in converting petrol and diesel vehicles to run on compressed natural gas, as well as system maintenance and safety standards. The training was conducted in two batches and culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasised the Commission’s strategic goal of transforming the Niger Delta into a centre of excellence for CNG conversion and related technologies. He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to empower young people with relevant technical skills that align with emerging global energy trends.
“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 youth,” Ogbuku said.
He noted that the programme was designed not only to address unemployment but also to tackle broader socio-economic challenges affecting young people in the region, including limited access to skills development and economic uncertainty.
“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,” he added.
Ogbuku further highlighted the economic potential of the CNG value chain, stating that the widespread adoption of the policy would open up new industries and support local manufacturing. According to him, increased investment in auto conversion, retrofitting, and production infrastructure would enable technology transfer while creating sustainable employment for youths and women.
“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,” he said.
The training programme is part of a broader collaboration between the NDDC and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the implementation of the CNG policy in the region. The partnership reflects a coordinated effort to leverage Nigeria’s vast gas resources while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
Also lending support to the initiative, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the NDDC for aligning with the Federal Government’s clean energy agenda. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, the governor noted that the programme holds significant potential for transforming the Niger Delta’s economic landscape.
He pointed out that while the region has historically served as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy economy, the global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources presents new opportunities that must be harnessed.
The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, reiterated that the Commission’s mandate centres on driving sustainable development across the region. He explained that the training was carefully structured to meet global best practices, ensuring that participants acquire hands-on experience in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance, and safety compliance.
Antai also outlined the broader impact of the initiative on the transportation sector, noting that the adoption of CNG would lead to a more reliable and environmentally friendly system. He added that the growing demand for autogas specialists would stimulate economic growth while reducing harmful emissions.
In a similar vein, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, linked the programme to the Federal Government’s wider economic strategy. He stated that the Presidential Initiative on CNG reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of maximising Nigeria’s gas potential to provide relief for citizens and drive development.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, also praised the Commission’s approach, describing it as forward-looking and aligned with national priorities on clean energy and skills development. He noted that initiatives of this nature are critical to preparing the workforce for future demands.
Further reinforcing the significance of the programme, the Technical Assistant to the Presidential CNG Initiative, Omoh Imuokhuede, described the adoption of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles as a flagship component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, launched in 2023.
From a technical standpoint, the Training Consultant, Tunde Rena, highlighted the economic benefits of expanding CNG adoption. He explained that the initiative would attract investment into Nigeria’s gas sector, strengthen local markets, and increase government revenue.
Rena stressed that as more vehicles transition to CNG, the demand for skilled technicians will continue to rise, making programmes like the NDDC training essential.
“This is where the CNG Conversion Training Programme becomes critical,” he said, noting the need for a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to support the transition.
The NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, affirmed that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s core mandate of human capacity development. She stated that the training represents a practical step towards equipping youths with marketable skills while fostering industrial growth in the Niger Delta.
