By Abdullahi Tukur
The Federal Government has commissioned a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Automotive Training Centre at the ICT Centre of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, as part of efforts to promote industrial development, clean energy adoption and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the project as a major investment in Nigeria’s industrial future and human capital development.
He said the new centre represents more than the unveiling of a physical facility, noting that it will create opportunities for innovation, technical skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment generation and sustainable economic growth for Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.
“This centre is not just a building; it is a platform that will empower young Nigerians with the practical skills needed to thrive in the evolving automotive and clean energy sectors,” the minister said.
Enoh noted that Kebbi occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economy, particularly as one of the country’s leading agricultural states and the nation’s rice production hub. He added that the state’s achievements demonstrate the critical role agriculture continues to play in promoting economic prosperity and food security.
Kebbi Govt Commends Federal Initiative
Representing Governor Nasir Idris at the event, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar said the establishment of the CNG training centre reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialisation and workforce development.
He explained that the centre was created to equip young Nigerians with modern automotive diagnostic, maintenance and repair skills required in the country’s transition to cleaner transportation technologies.
According to him, investing in technical education today is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s transportation sector and the nation’s economic development.
100 Youths Trained Across Kebbi’s 21 LGAs
Earlier, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, disclosed that 100 youths drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kebbi State had already completed specialised training on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology.
He said the training was organised by NADDC in partnership with PADSON Company as part of the Federal Government’s drive to develop skilled manpower for Nigeria’s emerging automotive industry.
Osanipin explained that the council is mandated to promote the sustainable development of Nigeria’s automotive sector through the effective utilisation of local human and material resources.
PADSON Urges Residents to Utilise Facility
The Chief Executive Officer of PADSON Company, Chief Hezekiah Adediji, encouraged residents of Kebbi State to take advantage of the newly commissioned training centre.
He commended both the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government for supporting the establishment of the facility and praised the transparent selection process that produced participants from all 21 local government areas of the state.
Adediji expressed confidence that the beneficiaries had received quality training and were fully prepared to apply their newly acquired technical skills in Nigeria’s growing CNG and automotive industry.
The commissioning of the centre is expected to strengthen the Federal Government’s clean energy transition agenda while creating employment opportunities for young people through technical and vocational skills development.
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