NCDMB Partners Firm On Youths Training  … CNG Technologies, Value Chain Opportunities 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Coppercrux Limited, on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital flagged-off a 5-day Awareness and Capacity Building Workshop for youths in the South-South region on compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies and its associated value chains.

A statement by the Corporate Communications Directorate of the Board said areas covered on the day one of the programme include, “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: awareness, Importance and Benefits.

Others were, “Presidential CNG Initiative: an Overview”, and “Economic Opportunities for Youths in the Green Energy Sector”.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola-Ogbe, said the workshop was of strategic importance to the Board in the pursuit of its core mandate of capacity building and its implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative, describing it as a critical component of Federal Government’s programme for energy security, job creation and environmental sustainability.

He charged the participants, numbering about 50 in the workshop, to take full advantage of the training, noting that CNG as a relatively new energy source in Nigeria has enormous opportunities that could significantly transform individual lives and usher in economic growth and industrialisation in the wider society.

Represented by Mr. Kingsley Neyin, Deputy Manager in his office, the Executive Secretary said under the specialised training being provided, participants would understudy industry experts and have sufficient exposure to industry practices as would fit them for efficient operations in the oil and gas sector.

“Some of you will seek employment and others could take-off as entrepreneurs. I urge you the trainees to access the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) to register the skills and capacities you have acquired as individuals or as companies”, the NCDMB’S Scribe said.

In the first presentation of the workshop, Professor Aminu Bayawa Muhammad, of the Department of Energy and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, examined different aspects of the topic, “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits”, with special focus on the global energy challenge, such as CNG vs. LNG and LNG vs. LPG, energy transition, as well as benefits.

He noted that the world has continually transited from one source of energy to another, beginning from the earliest times, and that the conventional fuels of the present, notably coal, petrol, and diesel, among others, have become increasingly harmful as a result of greenhouse emissions and the associated global warming.

“CNG is a transition fuel as the push for cleaner energy progresses. The global shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources of energy like solar and wind is a journey, not an overnight switch.

“Benefits of CNG include environmental sustainability, performance (given the high-octane rating of CNG, which enhances engine efficiency), safety in terms of the strength of CNG tanks, lower fuel and maintenance costs. CNG is a proven safe, and readily available alternative fuel. It plays a crucial role as a transition fuel”, he said.

In an overview of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Dr. Dagwon Y. Wang, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Public Finance at ANAN University, Kwall, Plateau State, said the Federal Government is deliberate in its CNG programme, seeking clean energy and reduced emission to support its climate goals.

Other key targets of Government, according to Dr. Wang, include investments, job creation, and lower transportation costs, noting that the trainees would carry out part of their programme in conversion centres alongside other activities to enhance their understanding of the CNG value chains.

On economic opportunities for youths in the green energy subsector, a facilitator of the workshop, Mr. Adejo Joshua, note that within the value chains are manufacturing of CNG cylinders, components, kits, conversion of vehicle engines, equipment supply, and servicing, and others.

“In the macroeconomic spheres, CNG initiative would boost import substitution, infrastructure development, and innovation in transportation.

“Entrepreneurial opportunities are also abound in areas such as CNG retrofitting centres, eco-friendly product design, CNG sales and distribution, as well as Information Technology (IT) software.

“Green energy is more than just a climate solution. it’s a youth empowerment accelerator”, he said.

Giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Eniola Shittu, expressed profound appreciation to the NCDMB, the facilitators, and resource persons for the workshop, saying the programme takes them through a world of possibilities.

By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa