300 corps members will be attached to CNG centres after training — FG

The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to deploy 300 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion centres nationwide following specialized training. The initiative aims to bolster the country's shift toward cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives, particularly in light of the planned removal of fuel subsidies. The announcement was made by Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring and Delivery, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the CNG Retrofitting Training Programme held at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja. The training program, which commenced recently, is being conducted across all six geopolitical zones of the country. It forms part of broader efforts to position Nigerian youth at the center of the nation’s energy transition. According to Gbadamosi, the program targets the retrofitting of 100,000 vehicles annually, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a more sustainable transportation sector. She emphasized that the move comes in response to the anticipated removal of fuel subsidies in 2033, which is expected to increase the cost of traditional fuels significantly. The National Automotive and Development Council (NADD) has pledged both technical expertise and full financial backing to ensure the success of the project. Gbadamosi noted that NADD would provide certification standards and oversee the training process, ensuring that the corps members meet the required qualifications to operate as CNG technicians. Once certified, these individuals will be assigned to various CNG centres throughout the country, contributing directly to the retrofitting process. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted how the initiative would create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the participants. He encouraged the corps members to take full advantage of the training, stating that the ministry would continue to support young Nigerians in building sustainable careers. Olawande also urged the trainees to embrace CNG as a more economical and environmentally friendly option, using their newly acquired skills to enhance their professional prospects beyond their mandatory service period. Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of NYSC, described the program as a demonstration of effective inter-agency cooperation and alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated that the NYSC has been instrumental in training over three million corps members in diverse fields since 2012. Nafiu expressed confidence that the CNG retrofitting training would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting national development goals. The initiative is expected to contribute to the realization of a $1 trillion innovation-driven economy, as outlined in the government’s long-term economic strategy. By equipping young professionals with specialized skills in CNG technology, the program aims to foster a generation capable of driving technological advancement and economic growth. The deployment of trained personnel to CNG centres is anticipated to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels, reducing dependency on imported petroleum products and promoting local capacity in vehicle retrofitting.