The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate Compressed Natural Gas retrofitting training into the National Youth Service Corps Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme as part of efforts to boost youth employment and support Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja and involved stakeholders from the youth, automotive and energy sectors.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NYSC, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Titilope Gbadamosi, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for opportunities within the growing green economy.
According to her, corps members will receive practical training in CNG vehicle conversion, maintenance and safety, creating pathways for employment and entrepreneurship in the alternative energy sector.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, innovation, economic diversification and sustainable energy transition.
Under the programme, selected corps members, especially those with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and auto mechanics, will undergo structured technical training during their service year.
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The initiative will also provide certification opportunities, internships and post-service industry linkages through partnerships with accredited CNG conversion centres and automotive industry stakeholders.
The Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said the council would provide technical leadership, curriculum development, certification standards and funding support for the programme.
Similarly, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, described the initiative as a timely addition to the SAED programme, noting that the NYSC’s nationwide structure would aid effective implementation.
The Ministry of Youth Development also commended the collaboration, describing it as a practical example of inter-agency partnership aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting national development goals.
According to the agreement, a Joint Implementation Committee will oversee programme delivery, pilot deployment, training standards and national expansion of the initiative.