No fewer than 120 artisans across Jigawa State have been trained in Compressed Natural Gas conversion, maintenance and safety as part of efforts to establish CNG conversion centres in the state and support Nigeria’s alternative energy drive.

The three-day practical training, held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in collaboration with Hatfield Global Resources Ltd and Safe AutoGas Ltd.

The programme aimed to equip youths and artisans with the skills required to convert petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles, as the Jigawa State Government works to roll out CNG conversion centres across the state to create jobs, reduce fuel costs, and promote energy efficiency.

It would be recalled that on February 4, 2025, the Jigawa State Government disclosed that it had invested over ₦132 million in developing a natural gas conversion training centre in Dutse and other parts of the state.

Speaking during the closing session of the training on Wednesday, the representative of the NCDMB, Torunarigha K. Cash, said the board was in a position to ensure the training complied with its prescribed guidelines.

“We’re here to ensure the training is guided according to the prescribed manual of the board,” he said.

Cash described the training as rigorous and practical-oriented, noting that about 10 different types of vehicles were converted from petrol-powered to CNG-powered at no cost as part of the exercise.

He added that the initiative formed part of broader efforts to ensure a successful transition to CNG nationwide and to promote energy efficiency.

The Chief Executive Officer of Hatfield Global Resources Ltd, Safiya Idris Hadejia, said the programme was the first of its kind in the state and aligned with the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme.

“What we’re doing is in line with the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme. The initiative aimed to empower 120 youths and artisans with CNG conversion skills,” she said.

Hadejia noted that both male and female participants benefited from the training and urged other youths to take advantage of similar opportunities.

“I’m appealing to young artisans and youths who are looking for opportunities to keep searching for programmes like this,” she said.

She disclosed that the Jigawa State Government is constructing four CNG conversion centres across the state in Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, and Gumel Emirates.

“We hope these young men and women will be employed to run those CNG conversion centres when they are completed and inaugurated,” she added.

Hadejia commended the trainees for their dedication, expressing satisfaction with their passion and commitment throughout the programme.

She also revealed that Hatfield Global Resources Ltd is planning another edition of the training in the near future.

One of the beneficiaries, Ahmed Musa, a tricycle operator, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m happy to learn this skill; it will help me earn a living,” he said.

Another participant, Fatima Abdullahi, said she was excited about the new skill and plans to start her own CNG conversion business.