The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has flagged off a six-week training programme for 400 youths across the Niger Delta on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) autogas conversion.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development and a deliberate effort to position Niger Delta youths at the forefront of Nigeria’s energy transition.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, explained that the training would run in two batches of three weeks each. He noted that the programme was designed to equip participants with hands-on skills in CNG vehicle conversion, system maintenance, and safety standards in line with global best practices.
“The CNG is a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels. The growing adoption of CNG-powered vehicles across Nigeria has created strong demand for skilled technicians,” he stated.
According to the NDDC boss, the programme is expected to reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, support environmental sustainability, and create new economic opportunities within the Niger Delta region. He urged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline and dedication, cautioning them against selling their starter packs after graduation.
The Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs. Lyna Okara, confirmed that 400 participants were selected for the programme and would undergo training in two batches over six weeks. She encouraged the trainees to remain attentive and maximise the opportunity provided by the Commission.
In his remarks, a representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Mr. Olayinka Rufai, commended the NDDC for aligning with the Federal Government’s clean energy vision. He described the initiative as forward-looking and praised the Commission for advancing the CNG agenda in the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, advised youths to fully utilise the skills gained from NDDC-sponsored programmes instead of continually seeking new training opportunities. He noted that the CNG conversion training would expose participants to vast economic prospects.
The Head Trainer from Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr. Saidu Hamdullahi, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to improve their competence and prepare for emerging opportunities in the evolving energy sector.
