11 hours ago
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No fewer than 120 artisans and youths in Jigawa State have received training in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, maintenance and safety, as part of efforts to establish CNG conversion centres across the state and support Nigeria’s transition to alternative energy.
The three-day practical training, held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with Hatfield Global Resources Ltd and Safe AutoGas Ltd.
The programme focused on equipping participants with the skills needed to convert petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered engines.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s plan to create jobs, reduce fuel costs and promote energy efficiency. In February 2025, the Jigawa State Government announced an investment of over N132 million in developing a natural gas conversion training centre in Dutse and other parts of the state.
Speaking at the close of the training, NCDMB representative Torunarigha K. Cash said the exercise followed the board’s approved guidelines and forms part of broader efforts to drive the national CNG transition.
He described the training as intensive and practical, noting that about 10 vehicles were converted from petrol to CNG at no cost during the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hatfield Global Resources Ltd, Safiya Idris Hadejia, said the training was the first of its kind in Jigawa and was conducted under the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme.
According to her, the beneficiaries, comprising both male and female participants, were selected to gain skills that would position them to benefit from the growing CNG sector.
Hadejia disclosed that four CNG conversion centres are currently under construction in Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel emirates. She expressed hope that many of the trainees would be employed once the centres become operational and encouraged other youths to seek similar opportunities.
