The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced a six-week capacity-building programme for 400 youths across the Niger Delta region, focusing on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) autogas conversion as part of efforts to position the region at the forefront of Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
Flagging off the initiative at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the training as a strategic investment in human capital and a deliberate response to the growing demand for technical expertise in CNG vehicle conversion.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the programme would run in two batches of three weeks each, with participants receiving hands-on training in CNG vehicle conversion, system maintenance and safety standards in line with global best practices.
He noted that CNG presents a cleaner, safer and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels, adding that the increasing adoption of CNG-powered vehicles nationwide has created a robust market for skilled technicians.
According to him, beyond deepening technical capacity, the programme is designed to tackle youth unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship, promote environmental sustainability and unlock fresh economic opportunities within the Niger Delta.
He urged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline and commitment, warning against the sale of starter packs to be distributed at the end of the programme.
Director of Commercial and Industrial Development at the Commission, Mrs Lyna Okara, confirmed that 400 participants were selected and would undergo training in two batches over the six-week period. She encouraged the trainees to maximise the opportunity and remain focused throughout the programme.
In his remarks, a representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Mr Olayinka Rufai, commended the Commission for aligning with the Federal Government’s clean energy agenda. He described the training as forward-looking and pivotal to advancing CNG adoption in the region.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, advised the youths to leverage the skills acquired rather than constantly seeking new training schemes, noting that CNG conversion presents vast and sustainable economic prospects.
Head Trainer at Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr Saidu Hamdullahi, charged participants to take full advantage of the programme to prepare for emerging opportunities within the energy sector.
The initiative underscores the Commission’s broader commitment to empowering young people with market-relevant skills while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.
