CNG initiative attracted $980m investment – FG

The Federal Government’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG) has pulled in over $980 million worth of investments, with more than 20,000 CNG-powered vehicles now plying Nigerian roads and 315 conversion centres established nationwide. Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemima Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this in Makurdi at the close of […]

The Federal Government’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG) has pulled in over $980 million worth of investments, with more than 20,000 CNG-powered vehicles now plying Nigerian roads and 315 conversion centres established nationwide.

Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemima Joseph Osanipin, disclosed this in Makurdi at the close of a five-day mechatronics training for 70 auto-technicians, organised in partnership with Simba Group.

He said the initiative was designed to cut transport costs, create jobs, boost energy security, and drive environmental sustainability.

“Over 70 technicians were trained in Benue State under the programme, gaining skills in repair and maintenance of petrol and CNG vehicles. Similar training in Ekiti, Kano, and Lagos has already certified over 180 technicians, while more centres are planned in Osun, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Ebonyi,” Osanipin said.

He added that NADDC has so far trained over 15,000 technicians under its mechatronics programme and established 21 automotive training centres nationwide, 16 of which are equipped with modern tools to meet global standards.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, pledged the state’s support by announcing plans to train 500 more youths in CNG conversion and mechatronics.

He said this will help reduce transport costs and support the state’s industrialisation drive.

The NADDC while congratulating the trainees urged them to apply their newly acquired skills to boost their careers and contribute to Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Alia added that his administration has adopted Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan as a key plank of its economic agenda, with plans to establish industrial parks across 23 local government areas, powered by affordable and clean energy.

The Simba Group’s Regional Manager, Sameer Umdhyay, hailed the collaboration, noting that the training not only enhances employability but also strengthens Nigeria’s mobility and transport infrastructure.