Autolady Engineering Technology Limited, an indigenous firm, in collaboration with its subsidiary company, Autogas Nigeria, is embarking on a mission to train 1000 Nigerian technicians and non-technicians nationwide in converting petrol vehicles to gas-powered engines.
The training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills for safe autogas conversion using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cost-effective alternative amidst the removal of fuel subsidies that have impacted Nigerians.
The training series will commence with a one-week intensive programme in Lagos, catering to both experienced and inexperienced technicians. Following the training, participants will engage in workshop attachments to enhance their professional proficiency and acquire relevant certifications. The initiative seeks to empower technicians with the expertise required to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs through gas-powered engines.
The CEO of Autolady Engineering Technology Limited, Joyce Daser-Adams stated that the training aligns with the Federal Government’s autogas policy, which aims to achieve its 2060 net-zero carbon reduction agenda. The adoption of cars running on gas by 2030 is believed to significantly contribute to combating climate change and meeting the objectives of the National Gas Expansion Programme.
In 2021, Autolady Engineering firm collaborated with other technical partners to train over 150 technicians across the country on autogas conversion, providing the service free of charge for organisations such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). Interested auto mechanics and automobile technicians from all over Nigeria can now register for the upcoming training, set to begin in September.
Despite the laudable impact of autogas conversion, concerns have been raised about the high cost associated with converting petrol/diesel vehicles to autogas vehicles, particularly since the launch of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). To address this issue, the firm called on the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), an agency for the automotive sector, to collaborate and support their initiative in reducing the cost of training technicians and providing conversion kits for average Nigerians.
With a track record of success in training technicians in auto mechanics, Autolady Engineering Technology Limited has the capacity to deliver training programmes nationwide. The firm also welcomes partnerships with state governments to create employment opportunities for youths and boost the economy amidst the challenges posed by rising fuel costs.
