The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a six-week training to programme for 400 youths from across the Niger Delta, aimed at building skills in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) autogas conversion and positioning the region to benefit from Nigeria’s changing energy landscape.
The programme was inaugurated at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, where the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in human capital and a timely response to the rising demand for expertise in CNG vehicle conversion.
Represented by the Commission’s Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, Ogbuku explained that the training would be conducted in two batches of three weeks each. Participants will receive practical, hands-on instruction in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance, and safety procedures, in line with international standards.
He emphasized that CNG is a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative to traditional fuels, noting that the growing nationwide shift to CNG-powered vehicles has opened up significant opportunities for trained technicians.
Beyond equipping participants with technical skills, Ogbuku said the programme is also designed to reduce youth unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship, promote environmental sustainability, and create new economic prospects within the region. He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and disciplined, cautioning them against selling the starter packs that will be distributed at the end of the training.
Speaking further, the Commission’s Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs. Lyna Okara, confirmed that 400 youths were selected for the programme and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity.
A representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Mr. Olayinka Rufai, praised the Commission for supporting the Federal Government’s clean energy drive, describing the initiative as timely and crucial to expanding CNG adoption in the Niger Delta.
Also addressing the participants, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, advised the youths to fully utilise the skills gained rather than constantly seeking new training programmes, stressing that CNG conversion offers long-term economic potential.
The Head Trainer at Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr. Saidu Hamdullahi, encouraged participants to take the training seriously as preparation for emerging opportunities in the energy sector.
Overall, the initiative reflects the Commission’s continued commitment to empowering young people with practical, market-driven skills while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
