Adebayo Adenrele
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has commenced a five-day specialised mechatronic training on the repair and maintenance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-powered tricycles and motorcycles in Ekiti State.
The training programme, which started on Monday at the NADDC Automotive Training Centre along Ilawe road in Ado-Ekiti, targets 50 technicians selected from across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking with journalists, the Director-General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, said the initiative, in collaboration with Simba Group Nigeria, aims to equip technicians not only with the skills to convert PMS engines to CNG but also to maintain and repair such systems.
Osanipin, who emphasized the cost-effectiveness of CNG compared to PMS, noted that the training would enable participants to become specialists in the field, especially as many Nigerians rely on tricycles and motorcycles for transportation and livelihood.
On the current non-availability of CNG infrastructure in the state, the DG revealed that two gas filling stations in the state are nearing completion and will soon commence operations.
He also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his administration’s efforts in supporting technicians, which he said has significantly contributed to reducing unemployment in the state.
He said, “The whole initiative was because a lot of Nigerians are using Tricycles and Motorcycles as means of transportation and livelihood.
“If something is for livelihood, you need an expert in it and the best way to be an expert in it is to have the technical Knowhow and that’s why we have decided to train not only automobile mechanics but also tricycle technicians.
“We are starting in Ekiti and we are going to Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, Benin, it’s going to go round the whole country because of the numbers of Nigerians that depend on Tricycles and Motorcycles for their means of transportation and livelihood.
“Concerning the availability of CNG in Ekiti State, we understand the challenge and we are working on it especially the non-availability of Gas in Ekiti.
“The infrastructure and facility has to be provided especially for the storage and dispensing of Gas. I can assure you that two filling stations are at the point of completing their construction and very soon, we will start dispensing and selling gas in Ekiti”.
Declaring the training open, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Empowerment, Kayode Fasae, described the programme as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing upskilling efforts, which reflects a shared commitment to job creation and wealth generation.
Fasae said the training will not only enhance individual livelihoods but also strengthening the broader fabric of the state’s economy.
He reiterated the Oyebanji-led administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, employment growth, and human capital development, in line with its six-point development agenda.
“This event signifies yet another milestone in the series of upskilling initiatives held at this Centre, reflecting our shared commitment to developing capacity for job creation and wealth generation.
“Ekiti State Government remains committed to such initiatives. This administration operates under a six-point agenda emphasising youth empowerment, employment growth, and human capital development.
“By equipping our technicians with modern knowledge and skills, we are not only enhancing individual livelihoods but also strengthening the broader fabric of our economy”.
The Regional Manager of Simba Group, Nigeria, Sumit Panda also reaffirmed the long-term goal of the Group in ensuring that the initiative strives for the growth and development of Ekiti.
