By Stella Odueme
As part of its efforts to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
as a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative in Nigeria, NNPC Retail Limited
(NRL), a subsidiary of the NNPC Ltd, has sensitized over 1,000 auto mechanics
through a comprehensive awareness initiative.
The sensitization exercise which took place at the National Artisans and
Technicians Conference held last week in Lagos, brought together a large audience
drawn from auto mechanics and technicians from across the country.
A statement by Olufemi Soneye,
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of
NNPC Ltd
at the weekend said that the engagement aimed to demystify the process of converting gasoline-powered vehicles to CNG and encourage the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to promoting the benefits of CNG conversion, NRL also raised
awareness about its Oleum, its lubricant range, known for its excellent
performance in both gasoline and CNG-powered vehicles.
The landmark initiative also underscores NRL’s commitment to driving the nation’s
transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources while ensuring Nigerian
artisans are well-informed about emerging trends in the automotive sector.
The conference featured practical demonstrations on the technicalities of
converting vehicles from gasoline to CNG, providing the mechanics with first-hand
insights into the process.
Speaking at the engagement session, the Executive Director, Retail Operations &
Mobility at NRL, Baba Shettima Kukawa, encouraged the mechanics to seek out
the necessary skills for CNG conversion, emphasizing that it is a growing trend that
will shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
“We believe that sensitizing mechanics on the importance of CNG adoption is
critical to achieving Nigeria’s long-term energy goals. While this engagement
focused on raising awareness, we urge artisans to actively pursue the skills required
to contribute to this transformative shift toward cleaner and more affordable fuel
options. This initiative represents a crucial step in advancing the nation’s transition
to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” Kukawa stated.
Responding, the Chairmen of the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of
Nigeria (MOMTAN) and the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA)
commended NRL for its proactive approach and called for the expansion of the
initiative to include even more mechanics and technicians nationwide.
Both associations highlighted the importance of sustained efforts to further
support Nigeria’s move toward cleaner energy solutions.
The NRL also provided auto mechanics
with coveralls, toolboxes, and generators during the event to enhance their
business operations and promote sustainability.
NNPC Retail’s commitment to promoting CNG as an alternative fuel aligns with the
broader strategic vision of NNPC Ltd to reduce the environmental impact of
Nigeria’s energy consumption while making fuel more affordable for consumers.
