Lagos launches CNG conversion training for students

The Lagos State Government has joined stakeholders in energy, transportation, and education sectors to launch Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion training for 500 polytechnic students in the South-west.

The event, held on Wednesday in Lagos, was organised by Mofe Foundation in partnership with the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS).

The programme brought together 500 polytechnic students from across South-west states to address the skills gap in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector.

The initiative aims to promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and empower the next generation of technicians and engineers in Nigeria’s growing energy sector.

Speakers at the event highlighted Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves and emphasised the urgent need to harness its economic and environmental potential.

They explained that natural gas is cleaner and safer than petrol, urging its adoption to support national energy security and reduce costs.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state is actively involved in CNG conversions and infrastructure development.

He noted that through IBILE Holdings, the state is building 17 CNG filling stations to be completed by October.

“We’re undertaking conversions and constructing 17 new CNG stations across the state by October 2025,” Mr Osiyemi said.

He stressed the importance of making CNG accessible to all, ensuring availability at stations for vehicles converted to run on gas.

He added that the training will boost student employability and increase the number of skilled CNG professionals across the region.

Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would also reduce transport costs by up to 70 per cent, mitigating the effects of subsidy removal.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, represented by Aileru Tajudeen, outlined the climate benefits of CNG.

“CNG is the future — cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable than fossil fuels,” he said, encouraging nationwide adoption.

Mr Ogunleye praised the training for bridging the gap between academia and industry while promoting job creation and economic transformation.

He noted ongoing inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure quick access to CNG stations and wider conversion services in Lagos State.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, highlighted youth potential in driving economic and social change.

Represented by the state’s Youth Ambassador, Obadare Adenekan, he said the training aligns with the ministry’s youth empowerment vision.

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NAPS South-west Coordinator, Johnson Obasanya, said the training would help address youth unemployment and would be sustained and expanded.

Mofe Foundation Convener, Funmilade Akingbagbohun, said Nigeria’s transport and industrial future depends on strategic CNG development.

“CNG conversion is not just an alternative — it’s a catalyst for transformative change,” she stated in her keynote address. She said the foundation was partnering with Lagos State and called on other centres across Nigeria to offer training facilities.

“We want to ensure students are trained properly to prevent accidents caused by poor conversions,” she added.

(NAN)