The Federal Government has unveiled a new partnership aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills in compressed natural gas (CNG) retrofitting and clean energy technologies, in what officials describe as a strategic move to expand employment opportunities within the emerging green economy.
The initiative, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja, brings together the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the collaboration goes beyond policy paperwork and represents a deliberate effort to build a workforce capable of competing in the fast-evolving clean energy and automotive sectors.
“This collaboration goes beyond signing of documents. It is about creating jobs, building skills, and preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within an evolving economy,” Olawande said.
He noted that as government accelerates the adoption of CNG as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to petrol, demand for skilled technicians and engineers in vehicle conversion and maintenance is expected to rise significantly.
“Nigerian youths must not be left behind in harnessing vast opportunities within clean energy and automotive industries,” he added.
Under the agreement, corps members participating in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme will undergo hands-on training in CNG conversion, maintenance, and related automotive technologies. Officials say the training is designed to enhance employability while also encouraging entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, described the initiative as a timely intervention that strengthens institutional collaboration and improves policy delivery in youth empowerment.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to expanding technical exposure for corps members through the SAED programme, noting that practical skills remain central to addressing unemployment.
Similarly, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, said the partnership would accelerate local automotive innovation and help develop a skilled workforce for Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility systems.
On his part, Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Mr. Omo Imoukhuede, said the initiative marks a significant step toward expanding CNG adoption and advancing electric vehicle integration while creating sustainable green jobs for young people.
Also speaking, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation and measurable outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to them, the programme is expected to be rolled out nationwide in phases, targeting thousands of corps members annually as Nigeria deepens its shift toward cleaner energy and skills-driven economic growth.
