Business and Economy
Gov Sule to establish three CNG, NLG centres in Nasarawa state
By David Odama
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said his administration is set to establish
three Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) compressed vehicles conversion centres in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.
Governor Sule announced this at the graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates to 50 indigenous auto-technicians trained on CNG-LNG bio-fuel system conversion in Lafia.
He said rather than providing starter packs to the graduating trainees, his administration would build three conversion centres in the state where the trainees would not only demonstrate their skills and knowledge but also train others
“In line with the policy of my administration on the prudent management of resources of the state, the three conversion centres will be incorporated as part of the three tractor repairs and maintenance centres to be established by India’s largest manufacturer of tractors, Mahindra which has indicated interest to build it centres in each of the senatorial zone of the state”.
“The Commissioner of Agriculture and I just came back from India not long ago. When we went to India, we established a relationship with Mahindra. They just got back into the country and they are going to establish three maintenance centres in the state.
“The conversion process involves the installation of CNG equipment also known as conversion kits on the vehicle. A change over switch also allows the driver to switch between the two alternative power sources,” he stated.
“For instance, I did not know any of these technicians, and I didn’t participate in the selection. We decided to select a team that we believed would understand where to locate these technicians and the most hard working of them. We gave them the free hand, with the Human Capital Development Agency to select them,” he said.
In an opening remarks, Director General, Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe Suleiman, said the graduation ceremony of the 50 auto technicians is anchored on the country’s energy transition plan which adopted the priotisation of cleaner fuels such as natural gas to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and close the energy gap, in line with the Federal Government’s Climate Change Act 2021.
Suleiman explained that the 5-day intensive training programme at the PAN Learning Centre in Kaduna focused on equipping the participants with the expertise to convert vehicles from PMS to LNG/CNG using the advanced auto gas bio fuel system which allows vehicles to switch seamlessly between fuel types, providing flexibility and cost saving for drivers while significantly reducing emissions.
“These 50 participants carefully selected from various sectors across the state have undergone comprehensive hands-on training, positioning them to serve as key drivers of this revolutionary change. This represent a long term development of human capital in Nasarawa State. It empowers individuals with specialized skills that will drive economic diversification and enhance the quality of life of the people,” she said.
She expressed confidence that with this programme Nasarawa State is being positioned as a leader in the transition of gas based energy alternatives, with the trainees now equipped with the technical skills to drive the state’s future in clean energy.
The DG seized the opportunity to show appreciation to the Nasarawa State Government, their technical, implementing partners, NATA, PAN Learning Center and technical experts.
She encouraged the trainees to approach their roles with commitment and dedication that they have have already demonstrated through out this training.
In a goodwill message, Director General, PAN Learning Center Kaduna, Hussaini Abubaker, said the CNG/LNG conversion training at PAN Learning Center ensures that individuals involved in the CNG conversion are well equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safe, efficient and compliant vehicle conversion from petrol, or diesel to CNG or LNG as the secondary fuel.
“The conversion process involves the installation of CNG equipment also known as conversion kits on the vehicle. A change over switch also allows the driver to switch between the two alternative power sources,” he stated.
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