The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Thermolinks Limited, has inaugurated a five-day training programme on Compressed Natural Gas conversion, safety and maintenance for 120 youths in the state.
The programme was declared open on Monday at the Federal Secretariat in Jos by the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang. She said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Gas Expansion Programme, which is designed to promote cleaner, safer and more affordable energy options across the country.
Piyo emphasised that the training reflects the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and environmental sustainability. She stated, “Youth development remains a top priority of our administration.
“This training goes beyond gas conversion; it equips our young people with practical, market-driven skills that open doors to entrepreneurship and active participation in Nigeria’s evolving energy economy.”
She commended the NCDMB for extending the programme to non-oil-producing states like Plateau, describing the move as a clear demonstration of national inclusion and commitment to indigenous capacity building.
The Project Director of Thermolinks Ltd., Mr Tonye Briggs, revealed that Plateau is the fifth state to benefit from the programme. He praised what he described as exceptional support from the Plateau State Government compared to other states.
Briggs explained that the training is highly practical, combining classroom-based theoretical sessions with real-time vehicle conversions. “Each participant will receive a starter toolkit and two certificates, one backed by the Federal Government and another by the programme partners. Their names will also be uploaded to a national database of certified CNG technicians,” Briggs stated.
He highlighted the increasing demand for CNG technicians nationwide, noting that over 70 per cent of newly introduced heavy-duty trucks across the country now run on CNG, with thousands more deployed in recent times.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, described the initiative as a novel and timely innovation for Plateau State. He disclosed that the government is working on partnerships to establish a CNG conversion centre in Jos.
Jatau appealed for accelerated federal support to provide CNG refilling infrastructure, stressing that access to gas supply remains a major challenge.
The General Manager of the Plateau State Energy Services Corporation, Engr. Ponzing Gamde, said the programme offers dual benefits to the state. “This programme is a major gain for Plateau State. It promotes clean energy, reduces environmental degradation and equips our youths with skills they can turn into a sustainable occupation.
“It is both an empowerment initiative and an environmental intervention,” Gamde said.
