The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has partnered with OMAA Motors to launch a training programme aimed at converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles.
The programme held in Owerri, Imo State, commenced on Tuesday, March 18 will run through March 21, 2025, with 60 technicians taking part in the innovative initiative.
The training program is a significant step forward in transforming Nigeria’s automotive sector, as the collaboration between Government agencies, private sectors and youth initiatives aims to foster a sustainable, green energy future for the nation’s transportation industry.
At the official flag-off ceremony, NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, emphasized the critical role of acquiring the necessary skills and licenses for successful vehicle conversion.
“If you don’t have people converting vehicles, investors in gas won’t come,” he explained, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to drive the expansion of CNG infrastructure across the country.
Osanipin also spotlighted the recent launch of the Mobile Refill Unit in Lagos, which will soon be deployed nationwide to support the growing fleet of converted vehicles.
As more vehicles are converted to CNG, these refilling units will become a key part of the national infrastructure.
Following the training, participants will be encouraged to apply for Conversion Certificates, enabling them to begin their careers as certified vehicle conversion technicians.
The NADDC will further collaborate with gas providers to establish CNG fueling stations, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Hon. Commissioner for Youth, Dr Emeka Mandela, commended NADDC for its foresight and pledged state support for the initiative.
Mandela also announced that, the state government would fund licenses for four of the participants and expressed plans to empower more youth in the coming years.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment represented by his Special Assistant Professor Anoka Njan, in his remarks encouraged the participants to take advantage of Federal Government incentives, including grants from the Bank of Industry, to grow their businesses.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key industry figures, including Engineer Kiribati Nandi, Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Automotive Technicians Association (NATA), Chief Ozor, managing director of Classic Auto Care Ltd and Engineer Audu Abbas, representing the MD/CEO of OMAA Motors.