By AWC Energy & Social Desk, Abuja
Benin City / Abuja — In a landmark move for both gender inclusion and Nigeria’s clean-energy drive, fifty women mechanics graduated last Friday from a specialised training programme in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, marking a major milestone in efforts to expand the country’s CNG ecosystem.
The programme was organised jointly by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the government of Edo State, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI), led by pioneer female mechanic Sandra Aguebor.
Training Women for Cleaner, Greener Mobility
At a graduation ceremony in Benin City, NADDC’s Director-General, Oluwemimo Osanipin (represented by his deputy), said the initiative aims to build capacity for cleaner transport, promote gender equality, and support Nigeria’s transition to gas-powered mobility.
The five-day training covered both theory and hands-on practice in converting petrol/diesel vehicles to run on CNG. Upon completion, each participant received certification as a CNG conversion technician, ready to serve at licensed conversion centres or launch their own workshops.
Ms. Aguebor described the event as “a historic milestone” in breaking gender stereotypes in the automotive industry, and tasked the graduates to use their new skills to drive Nigeria’s CNG revolution forward.
At the ceremony, the Edo State Governor (represented by his SSG) emphasised the state government’s commitment to women’s empowerment as a matter of both social justice and smart economics — noting that the state aims to support tens of thousands of women in skills programmes over the next four years.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, represented by Minister Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim, hailed the initiative as proof that “clean-energy transition and gender equality can go hand in hand,” urging more women to take up such technical skills.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Energy & Economy
1. Boosting CNG Adoption — The training aligns with the country’s broader “Presidential CNG Initiative” and the 2025 target to expand CNG conversion dramatically, offering cleaner, cheaper alternatives to petrol and diesel.
2. Creating Skilled Workforce — By empowering women as certified CNG technicians, Nigeria expands its pool of qualified professionals able to install, maintain, and certify CNG vehicles, a critical component for scaling up nationwide CNG adoption.
3. Promoting Gender Equity in STEM and Technical Trades — The milestone challenges entrenched gender roles in the automotive and energy sectors, signalling that women can lead technical and industrial transformation.
4. Economic Empowerment & Job Creation — For the 50 graduates — and many more to come — the initiative offers income opportunities, entrepreneurial potential, and a pathway out of economic vulnerability.
What Next: Scaling Up & Sustaining the Momentum
Following the success in Edo, NADDC has indicated plans to replicate the programme in other states, while the government has hinted at expanding CNG conversion and refuelling infrastructure nationwide.
There is also growing call from civil society and industry stakeholders for:
Formal integration into vocational education curricula (TVETs),
Stronger accreditation and licensing frameworks for CNG workshops, and
Public awareness campaigns to promote safety, affordability, and environmental benefits of CNG vehicles.
Meanwhile, the graduates have vowed to pursue regular placements, establish their own CNG conversion centres, and mentor other women interested in the trade — potentially widening Nigeria’s pool of female technical craftsmen.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Clean Energy and Gender Inclusion
The graduation of these 50 women mechanics is more than symbolic — it marks a concrete, operational shift towards a more inclusive, clean-energy, and locally empowered Nigeria.
By unlocking both human potential and clean fuel technology, this initiative sets a powerful precedent. For the success of Nigeria’s CNG revolution, and for meaningful gender inclusion in technical fields, the momentum must not stop here.
AWC will continue to monitor progress — and hold stakeholders accountable to ensure this promise becomes reality across states and communities.
