The Federal Government has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and training centre in Gundutse, Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, as part of its nationwide initiative to promote CNG usage.
The Director General and Chief Executive of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, highlighted the significance of the centre during the commissioning on Monday. He stated that the facility would not only support the conversion of vehicles to CNG but also serve as a training hub for auto mechanics in the conversion process.
“Out of the 21 planned CNG conversion centres across the country, 15 have already been fully equipped, and the remaining centres are expected to be completed soon,” Osanipin said. He urged trainees to make the most of the opportunity to acquire valuable skills in CNG conversion, emphasizing the need to meet the initiative’s objectives.
In a plea for support, the President of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Engineer Magaji Sani, called on the federal government to provide soft loans to enable members of the association to purchase the necessary tools for engine assembly.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating job opportunities for Nigerian youth. She noted that the establishment of CNG conversion centres nationwide was a clear indication of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
“The creation of these centres underscores President Tinubu’s dedication to addressing the economic challenges faced by the citizens, especially in light of the subsidy removal,” Anite said.
The initiative is expected to boost employment and improve the capacity of local technicians to adapt to greener fuel options.
