Lanre Shittu Motors, in a groundbreaking partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), has initiated a training program aimed at converting petrol vehicles to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative was officially announced by the company’s Managing Director, Taiwo Shittu, indicating a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s automotive landscape. As part of the program, specialized training sessions were conducted to equip automobile technicians with the necessary skills and tools for this conversion process, thereby enhancing the skill set within the industry and addressing current energy challenges.
The training, which took place from September 16-20 at the NADDC center in Ado Ekiti, attracted over 45 participants, including members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association and representatives from the Ekiti State University. The selection of participants was inclusive, with trainees drawn from various local governments within the state. To ensure technicians are well-equipped for their tasks post-training, Lanre Shittu Motors provided each participant with special service tools and battery-powered hand-drilling machines valued at approximately N400,000. This initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering practical skills and enhancing the local automotive workforce.
Taiwo Shittu expressed his appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s support of the CNG initiative, which he believes will invigorate the nation’s automotive sector, lower transportation costs, and stimulate economic activity. He emphasized that Lanre Shittu Motors is dedicated to the sustained growth of Nigeria’s local auto industry through consistent collaboration with the NADDC, specifically focusing on the training of technicians and the provision of modern equipment. This is reflective of the company’s ongoing commitment to community development and its proactive approach to keeping technicians updated with the latest technological advancements, particularly in CNG applications.
Lanre Shittu Motors also showcased innovation by introducing the first full CNG buses in Nigeria, specifically designed for airport shuttle and city operations, further emphasizing their commitment to developing sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, the company is making investments in mobile CNG stations, indicating a comprehensive approach to infrastructure that supports the use of cleaner fuel alternatives in the automotive sector. Key personnel from the company, including Car Workshop Manager Akinyemi Jamiu and Technical Service Advisor Oluwasegun Akanbi, participated in training to ensure they can assist technicians in applying their newly acquired knowledge effectively.
Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities in Ekiti, recognized the initiative’s importance, asserting that both the Federal and state governments are collectively positioned to maximize the benefits of CNG technology for their citizens. He noted that the introduction of CNG to their motor vehicles allows for access to a more affordable fuel source, which is essential for alleviating the economic burden on residents. CNG is being positioned not only as an environmentally friendly alternative but also as a practical solution to current fuel challenges faced by Nigerians.
The NADDC Director General, Joseph Osanipin, underscored the program’s intention to enhance the capacity and skills of technicians and youths in response to the dynamic changes within the automotive industry. He linked the training to a broader strategy initiated by the government to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal and highlighted the numerous advantages embedded in the CNG value chain. This collaborative approach among stakeholders reflects a mutual understanding of the urgent need for innovation and sustainable practices within Nigeria’s automotive sector, poised to benefit both the economy and the environment in the long run.
