The Lagos State Government has begun a month-long intensive training on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion for 500 polytechnic students from across the Southwest region.
Announced in a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the programme is being held in Lagos and is a joint effort between the Mojisola Olayinka Fatungase Edema Foundation and the South-West Zone of the National Association of Polytechnic Students.
Themed “The Future of CNG in Nigeria: Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow,” the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national push for increased CNG adoption and aims to equip students with practical skills in handling CNG technology.
The training was officially flagged off at Yaba College of Technology, attracting key government officials, stakeholders, and industry experts.
At the launch, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation stressed the environmental benefits of CNG, noting its lower emissions compared to petrol and diesel. He described the programme as a strategic move toward cleaner energy and a crucial opportunity for students to gain hands-on technical experience.
Participants will receive certification at the end of the training, with sessions led by top industry professionals.
A keynote address delivered by the former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers underlined the programme’s dual purpose: empowering youth and promoting environmental sustainability. She pointed to the cost-efficiency of CNG and its role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, which could help conserve foreign exchange and improve national energy security.
By training 500 polytechnic students, the initiative is not only building technical capacity but also nurturing a new generation of energy innovators.