NCDMB, Coppercrux Empower South-South Youths on CNG Technologies and Green Energy Opportunities

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Coppercrux Limited, has kicked off a five-day Awareness and Capacity Building Workshop for youths in the South-South region. The training, which began on Monday at La Trinite Event Hall, Eliozu, Port Harcourt, focuses on compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies and the wealth of opportunities within its value chains.

Day 1 Highlights: Exploring CNG and the Energy Transition

Participants were introduced to topics such as:

• Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits

• Presidential CNG Initiative: An Overview

• Economic Opportunities for Youths in the Green Energy Sector

Interactive sessions provided opportunities for participants to engage directly with industry experts and resource persons.

NCDMB’s Commitment to Capacity Building

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the workshop as a strategic initiative in line with the Board’s mandate on capacity building and the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative. Represented by Mr. Kingsley Neyin, he encouraged the 50 participants to maximize the opportunity, noting that CNG presents huge potential for job creation, entrepreneurship, and national industrial growth.

“Some will seek employment, and others could take off as entrepreneurs,” Neyin stated, while urging trainees to register their skills on the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS).

Expert Insights: CNG as a Transition Fuel

Professor Aminu Bayawa Muhammad, from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, explained that the world is undergoing an energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives. He highlighted that:

• CNG reduces harmful emissions compared to coal, petrol, and diesel.

• It enhances engine efficiency due to its high-octane rating.

• It is cost-effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

“CNG is a proven, safe, and readily available alternative fuel,” he emphasized, adding that it plays a crucial role as a transition fuel on the path to renewable energy.

The Presidential CNG Initiative

Dr. Dagwon Y. Wang, Associate Professor at ANAN University, Kwali, explained that the Federal Government is deliberate in pursuing its CNG programme to achieve clean energy, reduced emissions, lower transportation costs, and job creation. As part of the training, participants will gain hands-on experience at CNG conversion centres to better understand the sector’s value chains.

Green Energy as a Youth Empowerment Accelerator

Another facilitator, Mr. Adejo Joshua, outlined economic opportunities for youths within the CNG value chain, including:

• Manufacturing of cylinders, components, and kits

• Vehicle engine conversions

• Equipment supply and servicing

• Establishing CNG retrofitting centres and distribution outlets

• Eco-friendly product design and IT innovations

He stressed that green energy should be seen not just as a climate solution, but as a driver of youth empowerment and economic transformation.

Voices from Participants

In a vote of thanks, participant Mrs. Eniola Shittu expressed gratitude to NCDMB and Coppercrux, noting that the workshop had opened her eyes to “a world of possibilities.” She praised the facilitators for their commitment to knowledge transfer.

The workshop continues through the week with more practical sessions and in-depth discussions on CNG value chains.