The National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, has commenced a three-year initiative aimed at training 1,000 young Nigerians for opportunities within the compressed natural gas, CNG, sector. The programme is designed to develop technical skills, improve employability and support the growth of Nigeria’s emerging alternative-fuel automotive industry. The initiative will provide participants with practical knowledge and technical training relevant to CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, safety procedures and other areas associated with gas-powered transportation. The move comes as Nigeria continues to promote CNG as an alternative fuel following changes in the country’s petroleum market and efforts to reduce transportation costs. Developing a skilled workforce is considered important to the successful expansion of CNG infrastructure because technicians must be properly trained to install, maintain and service conversion systems safely. The NADDC programme is expected to give participating youth corps members practical exposure that could improve their chances of securing employment or starting businesses after completing their training. The initiative could also contribute to the development of local expertise and reduce reliance on foreign technical personnel within the automotive sector. As the use of CNG-powered vehicles expands, demand for qualified technicians, engineers and other specialists is expected to increase. Industry stakeholders have continued to emphasise the importance of safety standards, proper certification and quality control to ensure that CNG conversion and maintenance are carried out correctly. The three-year training programme therefore represents an effort to combine youth development with the government’s broader energy transition and transportation objectives. By equipping young Nigerians with specialised skills, the council hopes to strengthen the workforce supporting the CNG ecosystem and create new opportunities within the automotive industry. The programme also aligns with wider efforts to promote technical education and prepare young people for emerging areas of economic activity.
