By Peace Udugba – Lagos
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Coppercrux Limited, on Monday flagged off a 5-day Awareness and Capacity Building Workshop in Port Harcourt for youths in the South-South region, focusing on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technologies and related value chain opportunities.
Day 1 of the training covered key topics such as “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits,” “Presidential CNG Initiative: An Overview,” and “Economic Opportunities for Youths in the Green Energy Sector.” The sessions included interactive Q&A engagements between participants and facilitators.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the workshop as a strategic step in advancing the Board’s core mandate of capacity development and in supporting the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative — a key pillar in the Federal Government’s agenda for energy security, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
He urged the 50 participants to take full advantage of the training, emphasizing that CNG—being a relatively new energy source in Nigeria—holds vast potential to transform individual lives and stimulate economic growth and industrialisation.
Represented by Mr. Kingsley Neyin, Deputy Manager in the Executive Secretary’s Office, Engr. Ogbe stated that the specialised training would expose participants to industry experts and practical insights necessary for effective participation in the oil and gas sector. “Some will seek employment, while others could become entrepreneurs,” he said, encouraging them to register their acquired skills and capacities on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS).
Delivering the first presentation of the workshop, Professor Aminu Bayawa Muhammad of the Department of Energy and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, spoke on “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits.” He explored global energy trends, comparing CNG with LNG and LPG, and stressed the significance of energy transition.
He noted that the world has historically shifted from one energy source to another—from wood to coal to petroleum products—and that conventional fuels such as coal, petrol, and diesel have contributed heavily to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. CNG, he explained, serves as a transition fuel in the global shift toward cleaner energy sources.
According to him, “The global shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources like solar and wind is a journey—not an overnight switch.
He outlined key benefits of CNG, including environmental sustainability, improved engine performance due to its high-octane rating, enhanced safety because of the robust design of CNG tanks, and significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs.
In conclusion, Professor Muhammad described CNG as “a proven, safe, and readily available alternative fuel” that plays a critical role in the ongoing energy transition.
In a separate session, Dr. Dagwon Y. Wang, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Public Finance at ANAN University, Kwali, Plateau State, gave an overview of the Presidential CNG Initiative. He noted that the Federal Government is intentional about promoting clean energy through CNG adoption, aligning with Nigeria’s climate action goals and efforts to reduce emissions.
Other key targets of the government include driving investments, creating jobs, and reducing transportation costs. Dr. Wang noted that participants would engage in practical sessions at CNG conversion centres and participate in various hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of the CNG value chains.
Speaking on economic opportunities for youths in the green energy subsector, Mr. Adejo Joshua, a facilitator at the workshop, highlighted several areas within the CNG value chain such as manufacturing (CNG cylinders, kits, and components), engine conversion, equipment supply, and servicing.
At the macroeconomic level, he explained that the CNG initiative supports import substitution, infrastructure development, and innovation in the transportation sector. He also pointed out entrepreneurial opportunities in areas like CNG retrofitting centres, eco-friendly product development, CNG sales and distribution, and IT-based solutions.
Concluding his presentation, he stated, “Green energy is more than just a climate solution; it’s a youth empowerment accelerator.
In a vote of thanks, a participant, Mrs. Eniola Shittu, expressed deep gratitude to the NCDMB for organizing the workshop, describing it as one that “takes us through a world of possibilities.” She also commended the facilitators for their commitment and impactful delivery.
