Over 40 automotive mechanics in Ekiti State have been certified to convert petrol vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), under President Bola Tinubu’s green energy transition agenda, a step towards advancing green energy and boosting the economy.
This was the initiative of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Ekiti State Government, and Lanre Shittu Motors.
The training, which took place at the NADDC Centre along Ilawe Road in Ado Ekiti, equipped the mechanics with the technical expertise to provide a sustainable alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Speaking during the event, the Director General of NADDC, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, encouraged the newly certified mechanics to put their skills to good use in advancing the goals of the initiative. He cautioned them against selling the tools provided, urging them to share their knowledge with other automotive professionals across the state.
Osanipin who emphasized the advantages of CNG, citing its cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental benefits, pointed out that CNG is a viable alternative to expensive petrol and diesel, further noting that participants received free CNG conversion kits from Lanre Shittu Motors and PCNGi.
“The benefits of CNG cannot be overstated. Ekiti is prepared, and we plan to extend this training nationwide. Trainees must not hoard their knowledge but should help spread the practice by opening conversion centers,” he said.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, congratulated the trainees and underscored the importance of the initiative in improving mobility and environmental safety. Represented by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Bolaji Aluko, the governor revealed plans to establish more CNG conversion and refilling centers through public-private partnerships.
Governor Oyebanji described the Federal Government-owned conversion center as the first of its kind in the state and pledged the government’s continued support, including additional training workshops to ensure high standards of service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of Lanre Shittu Motors, Workshop Manager Engr. Jamiu Akani addressed concerns regarding the safety of CNG, explaining that it is even safer than Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), commonly used for cooking. He highlighted that CNG-equipped vehicles can automatically switch between petrol and CNG while in motion, though only vehicles with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), known as a “brain box,” are eligible for conversion.
Akani explained the rigorous training process, which included both theoretical and practical sessions. “We took the trainees through the theoretical aspects on the first day before proceeding to the practicals. We successfully converted three vehicles, including two Prado Jeeps and a car, teaching them safety precautions and conversion techniques,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusoji Olusegun John, expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji and the Federal Government for the initiative. He urged the governor to provide additional tools for the trainees to enable them to transfer their expertise to others throughout the state.