The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Edo State Government, is training 50 females in Edo State on conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle.
Director General/CEO NADDC, Olumemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting cleaner and cheaper energy in the transport sector while equipping and empowering technicians with the skills to safely and convert vehicles to CNG.
Olumemimo, who spoke at the opening ceremony in Benin City, said the initiative was to promote gender equality, economic empowerment as well as contribute to the growth of the automotive sector within the CNG ecosystem.
Represented by Deputy Director, Industrial Infrastructure, Mrs. Joke Onireti, Olumemimo stated that the training was part of the Council’s efforts to promote the adoption of CNG as a cheaper, cleaner and safer fuel for mobility in Nigeria.
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According to him, “This training is designed to last for five days and to provide technicians with theoretical and practical hands-on knowledge on the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
“The aim is to actively engage trainees in a variety of learning outcomes and promote team-work among them. The training is structured to allow ample time for hands-on practice enabling participants to demonstrate and apply the acquired knowledge and technical know-how practically.
After the removal of fuel subsidies, the government said we should look for alternatives. We have been training males on CNG conversions. We want to introduce many ladies to this sector. They will have a skill upgrade on how to convert to CNG. This is the first training for ladies, in collaboration with the state government and Lady Mechanic.
Director of Lady Mechanic Initiative, Sandra Aguebor, said she was the first woman to be trained and certified as CNG conversion specialist.
Aguebor said the beneficiaries would be deployed in the workshop after the training.
She urged the beneficiaries to focus on the training so as to set up their workshops in the future.