NYSC Corps Members to Benefit From New CNG Entrepreneurship Training Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken another major step toward youth empowerment, economic diversification, and sustainable energy development with the integration of Compressed Natural Gas retrofitting training into the National Youth Service Corps Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme. The development followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between key government agencies and stakeholders in the youth, automotive, and energy sectors during a ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

The initiative is being driven by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, the National Youth Service Corps, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative. The programme is designed to equip corps members with practical technical skills in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance, safety procedures, and entrepreneurship opportunities within Nigeria’s rapidly growing alternative energy sector.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Dr Titilope Gbadamosi, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for the future economy. According to her, the programme is not only about technical training but also about creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians. She explained that the government intends to position youths at the centre of the country’s emerging green economy by exposing them to skills that are globally relevant, innovative, and economically viable.

Gbadamosi noted that Nigeria’s transition toward alternative energy sources has become increasingly important following the removal of fuel subsidy, which significantly increased the demand for cheaper and cleaner fuel alternatives such as Compressed Natural Gas. She explained that despite the rising popularity of CNG-powered vehicles across the country, there remains a shortage of certified CNG technicians and conversion specialists. According to her, the newly introduced NYSC training programme is expected to bridge that gap by producing skilled professionals capable of handling CNG conversion and maintenance services nationwide.

She further explained that integrating the training into the NYSC SAED platform provides a structured national framework capable of reaching young graduates across every state of the federation. According to her, the initiative creates a unique opportunity for Nigerian youths to acquire technical competencies that are future-focused and aligned with the realities of the modern economy. She stressed that the programme will not only improve employability among graduates but also encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among participants.

Under the new arrangement, selected corps members, particularly graduates with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, automobile technology, and related technical disciplines, will receive specialised training during their service year. The training is expected to focus on major areas such as CNG vehicle conversion techniques, installation of gas-powered systems, maintenance and repair of CNG-powered vehicles, safety procedures, and business opportunities within the alternative energy industry.

Participants in the programme are also expected to benefit from professional certification pathways that will validate their technical competence and improve their chances of securing employment after the completion of the NYSC scheme. In addition, the programme will provide internship opportunities and industrial linkages through partnerships with accredited CNG conversion centres, automotive companies, and other major stakeholders within the energy and transportation sectors. This means corps members who successfully complete the programme may gain direct access to jobs, internships, mentorship opportunities, and startup support within Nigeria’s growing clean energy ecosystem.

Government officials at the event explained that the initiative aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, economic growth, innovation, industrial development, and sustainable energy transition. The Federal Government has consistently emphasised the need to reduce dependence on petrol and promote cleaner, more affordable alternatives such as CNG. Experts believe that the adoption of CNG-powered transportation can help reduce transportation costs, lower environmental pollution, and create thousands of new jobs across the automotive value chain.

By integrating the programme into the NYSC scheme, the government hopes to establish a nationwide network of trained young professionals who can support Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner energy solutions while also helping to tackle unemployment among graduates. The initiative is expected to stimulate local innovation, strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry, and encourage the development of technical expertise among young people.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the successful implementation of the programme. He stated that the council would provide technical leadership, curriculum development, certification standards, and funding support to ensure effective execution. According to him, NADDC recognises the importance of building local technical capacity within the automotive and alternative energy sectors, especially at a time when Nigeria is actively promoting cleaner fuel technologies and sustainable transportation systems.

Osanipin explained that the partnership would help standardise training procedures and ensure that corps members receive high-quality technical education that meets industry requirements and global best practices. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private stakeholders in driving sustainable economic growth, industrial development, and technological advancement across the country.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely, innovative, and highly impactful. He noted that the NYSC’s nationwide structure and orientation camp network provide an ideal platform for implementing such a programme on a large scale. According to him, the SAED programme was established to equip corps members with practical entrepreneurial and vocational skills beyond their academic qualifications, and the inclusion of CNG training represents another major milestone toward achieving that objective.

Nafiu expressed confidence that the initiative would expose corps members to emerging opportunities within the automotive and clean energy industries while contributing meaningfully to national development. He further stated that the programme would not only empower graduates economically but also inspire innovation, creativity, and self-reliance among Nigerian youths. According to him, equipping young people with practical skills remains one of the most effective ways to reduce unemployment and improve productivity within the country.

Many stakeholders have described the integration of CNG retrofitting training into the NYSC scheme as a bold and forward-looking initiative capable of transforming the lives of thousands of young Nigerians. With global attention increasingly shifting toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, the demand for skilled professionals within the CNG sector is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. For many corps members, the programme could serve as a gateway to stable employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term career growth.

Industry observers also believe the initiative could accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable transportation while simultaneously reducing youth unemployment and strengthening local industrial capacity. As implementation begins across different parts of the country, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how effectively the programme is executed and the long-term impact it will have on both the economy and the future of Nigeria’s young workforce.