The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is collaborating with the Lady Mechanic Initiative to train female technicians in the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles, advancing gender inclusion and technical skills development.
During the opening ceremony of the 5-day specialised training in Edo State, the Director General of the NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin, said the training aims to provide technicians with theoretical and practical hands-on knowledge on the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Nigerian Government’s commitment to promoting cleaner and cheaper energy in the transport sector while equipping and empowering technicians with the skills to safely and competently convert vehicles to run on CNG.
“This initiative for female technicians will promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and contribute to the growth of the automotive sector, particularly within the CNG ecosystem in Nigeria.
The challenge of developing Nigeria and the economy is squarely in the hands of Nigerians—men and women alike; so, permit me to restate that the role of female technicians in Nigeria cannot be over emphasised.
The only way to meet up with the advancements in the automotive industry is through training and re-training,” Mr Osanipin stressed.
The Director General, who was represented by Mrs Joke Onireti, the Deputy Director of the NADDC’s Industrial Infrastructure Department, described the initiative as a key step toward gender equality and economic empowerment in the auto sector.
“It is now time for women to receive this training and contribute fully to the sector,” he affirmed, adding that participants will receive empowerment tools and certificates upon successful completion of the programme.
“The Council has continued to support the adoption of gas-powered vehicles in Nigeria through the formulation and implementation of automotive gas policy, skills development, monitoring of CNG conversion centres, accreditation, and licensing of CNG conversion centres.
Recently, the Council in collaboration with Lanre Shittu Motors conducted CNG training for technicians in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and in collaboration with Kojo Motors conducted yet another for technicians in Owerri, Imo State,” said Mr Osanipin, speaking on the Council’s achievements in the adoption of CNG.
He added that the training is structured to allow ample time for hands-on practice, enabling participants to demonstrate and apply the acquired knowledge and technical know-how practically.
For her part, the founder of Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engr Sandra Aguebor, disclosed that over 50 ladies are to be trained in the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
Aguebor, who is also the first lady mechanic in Nigeria, also commended the NADDC and the Edo State Government on the initiative, which not only creates jobs but alleviates poverty.
The trainees shared their enthusiasm, pledging to succeed and justify the trust placed in them by the NADDC, Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
Together, they are driving innovation, inclusion, and progress in Nigeria’s automotive industry.