The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating a new generation of skilled technicians capable of supporting Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. Officials emphasized that the country’s future in automotive development hinges on equipping young people with the expertise to work with emerging technologies.
This commitment was showcased during the inauguration of a specialised mechatronics training programme in Oyo State, which is designed to provide youths and local technicians with hands-on skills for the repair and maintenance of petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles. The programme represents a collaborative effort among the national automotive regulator, a leading local tricycle manufacturer, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives. This partnership reflects a growing drive to align Nigeria’s workforce with global clean energy trends.
At the event, the agency highlighted that the global shift toward CNG adoption extends beyond merely introducing new technologies—it also involves enhancing knowledge, building trust, and increasing public awareness. Officials stressed that communities are more likely to embrace clean energy solutions when they fully understand the economic, environmental, and safety benefits. By fostering confidence in CNG as a safe and dependable energy alternative, the government anticipates wider adoption among communities, transport operators, and small businesses that depend on mobility tools for their livelihoods.
The training was described as a strategic initiative aimed at preparing young Nigerians to seize emerging opportunities within the CNG value chain. The agency pointed out that CNG systems demand precision and careful handling, making the development of a competent workforce essential for maintaining these systems safely. Given the rapid expansion of tricycle transportation in both urban and rural areas, the programme seeks to empower participants with technical skills that can lead to employment opportunities or small-scale entrepreneurial ventures.
According to programme organisers, trainees were carefully selected to participate in an intensive, hands-on learning experience covering engine diagnostics, repair techniques, fuel management, safe handling of CNG components, preventive maintenance, and guidance on establishing and managing small workshops. The certificates awarded at the conclusion of the programme are intended to boost employability and enhance the likelihood of participants setting up locally operated service centres, particularly in regions where technical expertise is limited.
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This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the national automotive regulator to strengthen human capital development across Nigeria. The Council has been actively developing Automotive Training Centres across the six geopolitical zones, with many of the twenty-one proposed centres already completed and equipped with modern training tools. Some of these centres are currently functioning as conversion hubs for CNG vehicles, supporting government efforts to promote clean energy transportation options while raising industry standards.
The agency also commended the Oyo State Government for its critical support, which was described as vital to the success of the programme. Additionally, it acknowledged the contributions of private sector partners in facilitating technology transfer and supporting local manufacturing—factors viewed as central to building a resilient automotive ecosystem capable of serving both large enterprises and small businesses.
Participants were encouraged to maximize the opportunity, as the skills they gain would not only enable them to service modern mobility systems but also position them as innovators, change makers, and emerging entrepreneurs within Nigeria’s growing clean energy sector. The agency highlighted that the programme extends beyond technical training, preparing young Nigerians to become integral members of a future automotive industry grounded in local talent, sustainable energy use, and innovation.
In its concluding remarks, the Council reaffirmed its mission to steer Nigeria’s automotive future by merging technological progress with youth empowerment. Officials emphasized that achieving a sustainable automotive industry will heavily depend on the ingenuity of Nigerians and the willingness of young people to adopt new skills.
For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially those operating in mobility, transportation, technical services, and energy-related sectors, the emergence of a skilled, CNG-focused workforce presents fresh prospects for growth and improved service delivery across African markets transitioning toward cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions.
