NDDC Commences Six-Week CNG Conversion Training for 400 Nigerian Youths in Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially launched a comprehensive six-week Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion training programme, targeting 400 young individuals across the Niger Delta region. This initiative represents a significant strategic effort to prepare Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within the country's rapidly expanding clean energy sector, while simultaneously addressing critical issues of youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurial development.
Training Programme Details and Objectives
The training scheme, which kicked off at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is meticulously designed to provide participants with hands-on, practical skills in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance, and safety protocols that adhere to international standards. According to the NDDC, the programme will be conducted in two intensive batches, each spanning three weeks, to ensure thorough and focused instruction. The primary goal is to empower these youths with the technical expertise required to thrive in Nigeria's evolving energy landscape, particularly as the nation shifts towards more sustainable fuel alternatives.
Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, emphasized the programme's alignment with national clean energy objectives during the flag-off ceremony. He highlighted that CNG, as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel compared to traditional petrol and diesel, is gaining widespread adoption across Nigeria, thereby creating a burgeoning demand for skilled technicians. Ogbuku, represented by Executive Director of Projects Dr. Victor Antai, described this training as a strategic investment in human capital development, aimed at positioning Niger Delta youths at the forefront of the energy transition.
Addressing Unemployment and Promoting Entrepreneurship
Beyond technical skill acquisition, the NDDC initiative is strategically crafted to combat youth unemployment and stimulate entrepreneurship within the Niger Delta. Ogbuku articulated that graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to establish their own CNG conversion and maintenance businesses, thereby generating employment opportunities and contributing to environmental sustainability. He urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously and avoid the temptation to sell their starter packs post-graduation, underscoring the long-term benefits of skill retention and application.
Mrs. Lyna Okara, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, confirmed the selection of 400 participants and encouraged them to maximize this rare opportunity. The programme has garnered support from key stakeholders, including the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), whose representative, Olayinka Rufai, commended the NDDC for its forward-thinking approach in advancing the federal government's clean energy vision in the Niger Delta.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The training underscores a growing national shift towards sustainable energy solutions, with CNG being recognized for its environmental benefits, such as lower emissions compared to conventional fuels. As Nigeria deepens its energy transition, initiatives like this NDDC scheme are pivotal in creating tangible economic pathways for young people, while supporting broader goals of reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy security. The Head Trainer from Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr. Saidu Hamdullahi, advised trainees to remain disciplined and forward-looking, noting the continuous evolution of the energy sector.
This programme not only equips youths with marketable skills but also aligns with federal efforts to promote clean energy and economic empowerment, potentially serving as a model for similar initiatives across other regions in Nigeria.
