500 Polytechnic Students Begin CNG Conversion Training in Lagos

In a significant stride towards promoting sustainable energy and youth empowerment, 500 polytechnic students from across Nigeria’s South-West region have begun a one-month Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion training program. The initiative, launched on May 21, 2025, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos, is a collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government, the Mojisola Olayinka Fatungase Edema (MOFE) Foundation, and the South-West Zone of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS).

The program, themed “The Future of CNG in Nigeria: Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow,” aims to equip students with practical knowledge and skills on CNG technology, focusing on vehicle conversion, maintenance, and safety protocols. It reflects the Nigerian government’s broader ambition, championed by President Bola Tinubu, to expand the use of cleaner energy sources such as CNG, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and promote environmental sustainability.

CNG is gaining recognition worldwide as an affordable and cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel. It burns more efficiently, emits fewer pollutants, and has the potential to improve air quality significantly. For Nigeria, adopting CNG technology presents an opportunity to address environmental concerns while boosting economic growth and energy security.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted the importance of the training during the launch. He pointed out that CNG technology contributes to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, both critical for Nigeria’s climate action goals. He also noted that Lagos State is investing heavily in expanding its CNG infrastructure, including the construction of 17 new CNG filling stations by October 2025 through IBILE Holdings, the state’s investment company.

“This initiative is vital for our environment and economy. By training young people on CNG conversion and maintenance, we are preparing them for jobs in a growing sector that supports a cleaner, greener Nigeria,” Osiyemi said.

The training is not only a technical program but also a youth empowerment initiative designed to increase employability and entrepreneurship among students. Engr. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, former National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), who spoke at the event, emphasized the dual benefits of the program.

“Equipping young Nigerians with specialized skills in CNG technology will open up opportunities for them in the emerging green economy. It enhances their job prospects while contributing to Nigeria’s energy transformation,” she explained.

The initiative also aligns with efforts by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which has introduced Project CNG-SPROUT. This project targets university campuses across Nigeria, aiming to power six institutions initially with clean CNG energy and plans to expand to 20 universities by the end of the year. PCNGI works in partnership with organizations such as MDGIF and Femadec Energy Limited to promote the adoption of CNG technology nationwide.

Youth and Social Development Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by Youth Ambassador Obadare Adenekan, expressed support for the program, highlighting the crucial role of youth in driving social and economic progress.

“The involvement of young people in such initiatives is critical for achieving an inclusive and sustainable society. This training will empower them to be agents of change in their communities,” Ogunlende said.

The training covers practical and theoretical aspects of CNG technology. Students will learn how to convert petrol or diesel vehicles to run on CNG, understand maintenance and safety protocols, and grasp the fundamentals of CNG supply infrastructure. The hands-on experience aims to build a skilled workforce ready to support the nation’s transition to cleaner fuels.

Experts involved in the program believe that scaling CNG use in Nigeria can significantly reduce the country’s fuel import bill, currently one of the largest drains on the national economy. Increasing domestic adoption of CNG could improve Nigeria’s trade balance, reduce exposure to global oil price shocks, and foster energy independence.

Moreover, the environmental benefits of widespread CNG adoption are substantial. CNG produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels, helping Nigeria meet its international commitments under the Paris Agreement. Cleaner air resulting from reduced emissions would also improve public health outcomes, particularly in urban areas plagued by pollution.

The Lagos CNG conversion training is seen as a model for other states in Nigeria to emulate. By linking youth empowerment with sustainable development goals, the program addresses multiple national priorities at once.

Looking forward, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained government support, expansion of CNG infrastructure, and continued collaboration between public and private sectors. Encouraging more educational institutions to incorporate CNG technology into their curricula could create a steady pipeline of skilled technicians and engineers.

The program also opens doors for entrepreneurship, as trained graduates can establish CNG conversion workshops, maintenance services, and supply chains, contributing to economic diversification and job creation.

In summary, the training of 500 polytechnic students in CNG conversion technology marks an important step for Nigeria’s energy and environmental future. It combines youth skills development with clean energy adoption, aligning with national goals to foster sustainable growth, improve public health, and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

As Nigeria embraces greener alternatives like CNG, initiatives such as this will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the country and its youth. The commitment of Lagos State and its partners demonstrates the potential to scale these efforts nationwide, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape.