No fewer than 120 artisans in Jigawa State have undergone training on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, maintenance and safety as the state government intensifies efforts to establish CNG conversion centres across the state.
The three-day training, held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with Hatfield Global Resources and Safe AutoGas Ltd.
The initiative is aimed at equipping youths and artisans with the technical skills needed to convert petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered alternatives, as part of Nigeria’s push for cleaner and cheaper energy options.
Findings showed that the Jigawa State Government is currently working towards setting up CNG conversion centres in different parts of the state to create employment opportunities, reduce fuel costs and improve energy efficiency.
It would be recalled that on February 4, 2025, the state government disclosed that it invested over N132 million in developing a natural gas conversion training centre in Dutse and other areas.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the training on Wednesday, an NCDMB representative, Torunarigha K. Cash, said the board was in Jigawa to ensure that the programme followed its approved training manual.
“We’re here to ensure the training is guided according to the prescribed manual of the board,” Cash said.
He described the exercise as part of nationwide efforts to support the transition to CNG, noting that the training was intensive and designed to prepare participants for practical work in the sector.
Cash added that the programme was largely practical, with about 10 vehicles converted from petrol to CNG free of charge during the training.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Hatfield Global Resources Ltd, Safiya Idris Hadejia, said the programme was the first of its kind in Jigawa State and aligned with the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme.
According to her, 120 beneficiaries, including both men and women, were selected for the training to enable them take advantage of emerging opportunities in the CNG sector.
She urged other youths to remain open to such skill acquisition programmes, describing them as a pathway to self-reliance.
Hadejia further revealed that the Jigawa State Government is currently building four CNG conversion centres in Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel Emirates.
She expressed optimism that the trained artisans would be employed to manage the centres once completed.
“The trainees showed a lot of passion and commitment during the training,” she added.
One of the beneficiaries, Ahmed Musa, a tricycle rider, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the skill would help him earn a better living.
Similarly, another participant, Fatima Abdullahi, said she was excited to learn the trade and hoped to start her own CNG conversion business.
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