The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Joseph Osanipin, on Monday, said the council has commenced training technicians in Ekiti State to prepare them for the rollout of compressed natural gas as an alternative automotive fuel.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the opening of a five-day specialised mechatronics training on CNG and petrol-powered tricycles and motorcycles, Osanipin said the move was part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and create sustainable livelihoods through technical upskilling.
Osanipin, who said the NADDC was committed to ensuring CNG availability in the state, said ongoing construction of facilities at two filling stations would soon be completed.
“So, very soon, we will start dispensing and selling CNG in Ekiti,” he said.
The training was organised by NADDC, in conjunction with Simbat Group Nigeria and Ekiti State Government.
Osanipin said, “We are working on the challenges, especially the non-availability of gas in Ekiti. The infrastructure has to be provided, that is the facility for the storage and dispensing.
“I can assure you now that two filling stations are at the point of finishing their construction. So, we will start getting CNG at good price soon and this will translate to reduced cost of transportation.”
Osanipin, who said training of the technicians was informed by the high number of people using motorbikes and tricycles as means of transport and livelihood, said, “This exercise will enable the beneficiaries to expand the scope of their means of livelihood and boost their economy.”
He said that each of the beneficiaries in Ekiti State had agreed to train four others to widen the number of people with the expertise, adding that “From Ekiti, we are moving to Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, Enugu, Benin to go round the whole country.”
Ekiti State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Chief Kayode Fasae, who lauded NADDC and Simbat for the initiative, charged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the training to better their lives and those of others.
Fasae charged them, “You are about to acquire essential technical skills that will enable you to make more meaningful contributions to our economy and communities.”
He said the government remained committed to initiatives targeted at bringing prosperity to the residents, adding, “This event signifies yet another milestone in the series of up-skilling initiatives and reflects our shared commitment to developing capacity for job creation and wealth generation.”
Mr. Sumit Panda, the Regional Manager of Simbat Nigeria, stated that the company intends to carry out nationwide training programs. These programs are designed to improve the skills of technicians, ultimately benefiting those who use Simbat motorcycles and tricycles.
Mr. Akin Akinola, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, stated that the training would significantly benefit its members. He also mentioned that the presence of CNG in the state would reduce transportation expenses.
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