•targets 22 other locations across Nigeria
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) on Friday unveiled a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and training centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the commissioning of the centre, the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii said “This initiative is a collaboration between SMEDAN, Rolling Energy, and Pi-CNG is an important step in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“This new centre is designed to convert vehicles to run on CNG, an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.
“With its capacity to convert nine (9) vehicles daily and a dedicated team of 20 technicians, the centre will help SMEs reduce transportation costs and adapt to changing energy needs.
“It will also train young Nigerians in CNG conversion, maintenance, and repair, equipping them with practical skills and opening up new business opportunities.
“This project aligns with SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, which focuses on providing SMEs with Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support.
“By adopting CNG, we are helping SMEs cut costs while promoting sustainable energy practices. This effort is particularly timely as businesses face rising fuel costs following subsidy removal.
“SMEDAN is also committed to improving access to critical infrastructure for SMEs. We are upgrading Industrial Development Centers across the country to provide affordable tools and power tailored to the needs of small businesses.
“The Idu IDC, for instance, has been solarized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure uninterrupted power.
‘Additionally, we have established the SMEDAN Climate and Green Energy Desk to integrate green energy into our initiatives and support SMEs in adopting sustainable practices.
“The economic benefits of this initiative are clear. By reducing transportation costs, we are making it easier for SMEs to deliver goods and services. At the same time, the training provided here will create jobs and empower young Nigerians to start their own businesses in the growing CNG sector.”
He further stated that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources have the potential to drive economic growth, and “this center is a step toward realizing that potential.
“Environmentally, the centre is designed to minimize energy use and operate off-grid, reducing its carbon footprint. It also offers the possibility of generating revenue through carbon credits, which can attract grants and loans from international climate-focused organizations.
“Beyond the technical benefits, this initiative has a human impact. By providing practical skills and fostering entrepreneurship.
“We are empowering a new generation to take control of their future. We hope many of those trained here will go on to establish their own conversion centres, further expanding the reach of this program,” he said.
Also at the event, the Transport Secretary of California, Mr Toks Omishakin commended the Agency for the invitation, noting that the programme will reduce transportation costs in the country.
He hinted of collaboration in the near future with SEDAN, other Agencies in the country and across Africa for development.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr. Toyin Subair said it is time for Nigeria to make use of her about resources.
The Chairman, Rolling Energy, Mubarak Danbatta stated that “what we have here is a sample of what we are going to be doing with SMEDEN, this is very cost-effective.
“CNG is not a business for the rich. It is a business for everyone. And the good thing is, this is a partnership between SMEDEN, Pi-CNG which is the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, and Rolling Energy.”
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
