By Abdullahi Inuwa
BIRNIN KEBBI – The Federal Government has intensified its drive towards industrialisation and clean energy with the inauguration of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Automotive Training Centre in Kebbi State and the graduation of 100 youths trained in CNG vehicle conversion and maintenance.
The training centre, located at the ICT Complex of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, is expected to serve as a regional hub for technical skills development, automotive innovation, and job creation across the North-West.
Speaking at the inauguration on Friday, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the facility as more than just a physical structure, saying it represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s industrial future and the empowerment of young people.
He said the centre would create opportunities for technical skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable economic growth, while supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a competitive automotive industry powered by clean energy.
The minister noted that Kebbi’s position as Nigeria’s leading rice-producing state and agricultural powerhouse makes it an ideal location for expanding industrial and technological development beyond agriculture.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris, the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar, said the establishment of the centre reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills needed to thrive in the country’s evolving transportation sector.
According to him, the facility will prepare young Nigerians for emerging opportunities in CNG technology by providing modern diagnostic, maintenance, and vehicle conversion skills that are increasingly in demand.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, disclosed that 100 youths drawn from all 21 local government areas of Kebbi State had successfully completed intensive training under the Council’s partnership with PADSON Company.
He explained that the programme aligns with NADDC’s mandate to promote Nigeria’s automotive industry through technology transfer, human capital development, and youth empowerment, adding that the newly trained beneficiaries are expected to drive the adoption of CNG technology across the state and beyond.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of PADSON Company, Chief Hezekiah Adediji, urged residents and transport operators to take advantage of the new facility, describing it as a major boost to the state’s technical capacity.
He commended the Kebbi State Government for ensuring fair representation of participants from all 21 local government areas, expressing confidence that the graduates possess the expertise needed to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable transportation.
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