In a major push to reduce transportation costs and promote cleaner energy, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in partnership with Jennymond Systems Ltd, has successfully trained 50 automobile technicians and youths in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion.
The two-week intensive training program concluded on Friday in Maiduguri with the presentation of starter packs to the participants to help them kick-start their professional journey in CNG technology.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Oluwatosin James Dare, a representative of Jennymond Systems Ltd., noted that the 50 beneficiaries represented the first batch of the initiative.
He expressed optimism that the program would be expanded to accommodate more youths and technicians, subject to government approval.
Dare urged the beneficiaries to immediately put their new skills into practice, emphasizing that completing the training was only the beginning.
“The work starts now. They should continue to learn, unlearn, and learn new things, while encouraging others to key into the programme,” Dare said.
He also advised the participants to collaborate and work together to drive the development of CNG conversion services across Maiduguri.
Sharing his impressions of the city, Dare expressed pleasant surprise at the peaceful atmosphere in Maiduguri, noting that the reality on the ground contrasted sharply with negative media reports.
According to one of the instructors, Mr. Oladayo Femi, the trainees were taken through rigorous practical sessions and successfully converted a vehicle from petrol to CNG as part of their coursework.
He stated that the participants are now well-equipped to apply these specialized skills in their respective workshops.
Beneficiaries of the program could not hide their excitement.
Aloma Bilayi, a participant from Bagaru, thanked the government and the organizers for the life-changing opportunity, noting that the training had significantly upgraded her technical knowledge.
