The Federal Government has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with technical skills to support the country’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy. The Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives recently commenced an intensive training program on Compressed Natural Gas conversion technology in Ibadan, Oyo State, focusing on youth empowerment, clean energy employment, and automotive innovation.
The program, held at a hotel in Jericho, brought together government officials, industry experts from the automotive and energy sectors, and motivated young participants eager to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s emerging clean energy economy. The initiative reflects the government’s growing commitment to developing technical skills and fostering innovation in the transport and energy sectors.
At the opening session, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives explained that the training aligns with national priorities to enhance youth productivity, innovation, and economic participation. She emphasised that as the global economy shifts toward cleaner energy, Nigeria requires skilled young professionals who can work with modern automotive technologies and support the nation’s transport transformation. She described the program as more than a workshop, noting that it provides knowledge that can create jobs, expand technical enterprises, and position participants as key players in the country’s new energy economy.
The program was organised in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, which reiterated its commitment to supporting youth development through automotive innovation. A former member of the House of Representatives described the Compressed Natural Gas sector as a “golden pathway” for young Nigerians seeking relevance in the new economy, highlighting that global trends increasingly favour affordable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives. He encouraged trainees to leverage the skills they acquire to build businesses and shape their futures.
Representatives from the automotive council and industry leaders underscored the need for young technicians capable of carrying out CNG conversions, stressing that Nigeria’s transport transformation depends on this new generation of skilled workers. Industry professionals highlighted the growing global demand for gas-powered mobility and noted that early acquisition of these skills positions trainees to lead in the emerging market.
The inclusion of Ibadan in the national rollout of the CNG training program reflects the administration’s focus on equitable access to opportunities across Nigeria, ensuring that young people in different regions can participate in the country’s shift toward clean energy. For MSMEs, the program signals opportunities to develop new businesses around CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, and clean energy solutions, offering pathways to generate income while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy and environmental goals.
