FG Partners NYSC, NADDC, Pi-CNG on Clean Energy Skills for Youths
By Sarah Kitka
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawandel, has described the partnership between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV) as a strategic step toward equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills in the fast-growing clean energy and automotive sector.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the minister said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to job creation, clean energy transition, technical innovation, and youth empowerment.
“This collaboration goes beyond the signing of documents. It is about creating jobs, building skills, and preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within the evolving economy,” Olawande stated.
He further noted that as the government intensifies the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel, the demand for skilled manpower in the sector will continue to rise.
“Nigerian youths must not be left behind in harnessing the vast opportunities within the clean energy and automotive industries,” he added.
According to the minister, corps members under the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme will receive hands-on training in CNG conversion and maintenance, equipping them with technical competencies that will promote employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
Olawande commended the NYSC, NADDC, and Pi-CNG for their commitment to expanding technical and vocational opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, described the initiative as a timely intervention that strengthens institutional collaboration and enhances effective policy implementation for youth empowerment in emerging sectors.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to expanding the SAED programme to provide corps members with hands-on technical exposure that will enhance employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
The Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, said the collaboration would accelerate local automotive innovation and build the skilled workforce required for Nigeria’s transition to clean energy mobility.
Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Special Assistant Mr. Omo Imoukhuede, said the partnership marks a significant step toward deepening CNG adoption and electric vehicle integration while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youths.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to seamless implementation, effective monitoring, and measurable impact of youth-focused programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
