As part of its commitment to support the federal government’s initiative led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the installation of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles across the nation, the Isaac Ademola Agoro Foundation has begun training young engineers in CNG auto gas conversion.
Speaking with journalists, the founder of the foundation, Engineer Isaac Ademola Agoro, explained that the training aims to complement the federal government’s efforts in promoting CNG conversion following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Engr. Agoro, who is also the Chairman of Protogy Global, noted that the foundation was established to empower young people in the field of engineering.
“To fulfill President Tinubu’s mandate, we have the capacity to bring in a large number of conversion kits to Nigeria. In support of the federal government’s initiative, we will train people, and those who wish to work with us can be employed. For those who prefer to set up their workshops anywhere in Nigeria, we will support them,” he stated.
He added that the trainees come from all over the country and will be encouraged to establish small workshops capable of carrying out CNG conversions. “If they need support, we will supply them with the necessary engineering backing. We are not doing this for ourselves but to ensure that this initiative spreads across Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Commenting on Nigeria’s readiness for CNG adoption, Engr. Agoro expressed confidence, stating that the country has all the necessary resources and facilities to comply with CNG requirements.
“Nigeria has all the necessary ingredients and facilities to be compliant,” he assured.
The facilitator of the training and Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (Oluyole Branch), Engr. (Dr.) Adewale Ikotun, explained that the training aligns with President Tinubu’s mandate to convert one million vehicles to CNG auto gas.
He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of CNG, noting that it offers significant savings compared to petrol.
“For instance, I drive a Pathfinder. The CNG installation cost me ₦1.3 million, but I recovered my money within six months because I travel frequently. A journey that costs ₦50,000 with petrol costs only ₦5,000 with gas,” he said.
Addressing safety concerns, Engr. Ikotun dispelled the notion that CNG is dangerous. He pointed out that CNG cylinders come with numerous safety features, including pressure and temperature relief valves.
“The cylinder itself is bullet-proof. It is very safe. This technology has been used in Malaysia and Europe for over 30 years,” he said.
He further emphasized that Nigeria is fortunate to have a leader like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who prioritized the transition to gas. He revealed that over 50,000 vehicles in Nigeria have been converted to CNG since the launch of the initiative without any reported accidents.
Earlier, Sylvia Innocent, the project manager, highlighted the foundation’s dedication to empowering youths.
“Engr. Agoro is passionate about empowering young people. He believes everyone should be relevant and contribute to society. At the end of the training, some will be employed, while others who wish to establish their own ventures will be assisted,” she explained.
She added that the training program is entirely free, covering accommodation, transportation, and meals.
Some trainees expressed their gratitude to the foundation for providing this platform, pledging to leverage the skills gained to contribute to national development and assist others.
Engineer Agoro has also assured that the Isaac Ademola Agoro Foundation remains committed to building capacity and supporting federal initiatives to promote CNG usage in Nigeria.