From David Christopher, Lafia
Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule has disclosed plans to establish three Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Liquified Natural Gas, LNG, vehicle conversion centres in each of the three senatorial zones.
Governor Sule made this known during the graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates to 50 indigenous auto-technicians trained on CNG-LNG bio-fuel system conversion on Monday.
According to the governor, instead of providing starter packs to the graduating trainees, his administration intends to build three conversion centres in the state where the trainees would not only demonstrate their skills and knowledge, but also train other people.
He pointed out that in line with the policy of his administration on the prudent management of resources, the three conversion centres would be incorporated as part of the three tractor repairs and maintenance centres to be established by India’s largest manufacturer of tractors, Mahindra which has indicated interest to build centres in each of the senatorial zone of the state.
“The commissioner of agriculture and I just came back from India not long ago. When we went to India, we established a relationship with Mahindra. They just got back into the country and they are going to establish three maintenance centres in the state.
“Mahindra is coming to help us setup this centre, one in each senatorial zone. Our plan is also to engage you on one side. We can start there and expand these units so that they are not only for the repair of tractors, they are also for the conversion of vehicles. Let us see how successful these three can be then government can subsequently establish more conversion centres,” he stated.
The governor noted that with the astronomical rise in the cost of petrol in the country, clean energy remains the future for Nigerians.
“This is what we call intensive learning process. That is the reason why it was shortened to one week. The essence is for you to become what we call train-the-trainer. You are indeed trainers, you are no longer trainees. Definitely, you are no longer roadside mechanics. You are now certified technicians and trainers who are going to train other trainees,” he said.
He appreciated the partners who ensured the success of the initiative, particularly members of the National Automotive Technicians Association, NATA, Nasarawa State chapter, for the efficient coordination and selection of the participants.
In an opening remark, Director-General of Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Suleiman said the initiative was anchored on the country’s energy transition plan which adopted the priotisation of cleaner fuel such as natural gas to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and close the energy gap, in line with the federal government’s Climate Change Act 2021.
In a goodwill message, Director-General of PAN Learning Centre, Kaduna, Hussaini Abubaker said the CNG/LNG conversion training at PAN Learning Center ensures that individuals involved in CNG conversion are well equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safe, efficient and compliant vehicle conversion from petrol or diesel to CNG or LNG as the secondary fuel.
