The Nasarawa State Government has announced plans to create Liquefied Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas bi-fuel system conversion centres across three senatorial zones of the state.
As stated by the state government, the initiative objective is to address the difficulties faced by residents due to the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as a result of the removal of petroleum subsidy by the federal government.
The announcement was made by Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia, the state capital, on Monday during the graduation ceremony of 50 auto-technicians, selected from the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association. These technicians were recently trained in LNG/CNG bi-fuel system conversion at the PAN Learning Centre in Kaduna State for five days.
The governor stated that the initiative, target at promoting sustainable energy alternatives, will not only alleviate the difficulties citizens face in purchasing PMS for their vehicles but will also contribute to environmental conservation.
He said, “We plan to establish conversion centres so that the trained auto-technicians will not only make an impact but also train others. We will establish one centre in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.
“The centres will be for repairs, maintenance, and possibly the manufacturing of some of the parts required. The future lies in clean energy, particularly in LNG, CNG, and electric vehicles. We will start with the conversion centre in Lafia.”
Commending the Director General of the State’s Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman, for her efforts and those of her team in consistently contributing positively to the lives of residents, the Governor beseech the newly trained auto-technicians to take their roles seriously, to improve their livelihoods and add value to society.
On his part, Hussaini Abubakar, the Director General of the PAN Learning Centre, Kaduna, appreciated the Nasarawa State Government for investing in the training of 50 auto-technicians selected from across the state’s 13 local government areas.
He said: “The LNG/CNG conversion training at PAN Learning Centre ensures that individuals involved in the conversion are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe, efficient, and compliant conversion of vehicles from petrol or diesel to LNG/CNG as secondary fuel.”
Nasarawa State Chairman, Shuaibu Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, relay his gratitude to the Nasarawa State Government for organising the workshop. He also praised the state governor and the Director General of the Human Capital Development Agency for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on empowering citizens and promoting the transition to alternative energy sources.
