Ibadan: The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has recently completed a training program for 50 auto-technicians in Oyo State, focusing on the maintenance and repair of petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles. This initiative is a collaborative effort between NADDC, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative (Monitoring and Delivery), and DAG Industry Limited, known for manufacturing Bajaj motorcycles.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NADDC is a parastatal operating under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The training session, which spanned four days, was orchestrated to equip Nigerian youths with practical, industry-relevant skills. Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, the Director-General of NADDC, noted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare participants for emerging opportunities within the automotive and clean energy sectors.
Osanipin, represented by Mrs. Joke Onireti, Director of the Industrial Infrastructure Department at NADDC, emphasized the importance of adapting to the adoption of CNG technology in Nigeria. The training aims to ensure that Nigerian youths and auto technicians are not excluded from job markets as new technologies emerge.
‘We want to train them on how to fix, maintain, and repair CNG motorcycles and tricycles, which is the new technology coming into the country,’ Osanipin stated. He highlighted that the automotive sector is dynamic with constant technological advancements, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation in Nigeria.
The Director-General explained that the transition from conventional fuels to CNG involves more than just technological changes; it also encompasses people, knowledge, and trust. He stressed that awareness and training are essential components of a successful transition to clean energy.
Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative (Monitoring and Delivery), commented that the participants represent a new wave of skilled technicians and innovators. According to Gbadamosi, these technicians will not only focus on machine repairs but will also contribute to sustaining their livelihoods and enhancing mobility in the country.
Mr. Chandan Kumar, Deputy Service Head at DAG Industry Limited, detailed that the training covered diagnostics, fuel system management, and safety in handling CNG components. Additionally, participants were introduced to preventive maintenance techniques and received entrepreneurial guidance for setting up workshops.
The initiative aims to empower youths with new skills, potentially leading to employment and entrepreneurship within the CNG value chain, thereby contributing to the broader economic growth of Nigeria.