PRESS RELEASE
May 8, 2026
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has described the partnership between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EV) as a strategic step toward equipping Nigerian youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills in the fast-growing clean energy and automotive sector.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the Minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to job creation, clean energy transition, technical innovation, and youth empowerment.
“This collaboration goes beyond the signing of documents. It is about creating jobs, building skills, and preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities within the evolving economy,” Comrade Olawande stated.
He further emphasized that as the government intensifies promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuel, demand for skilled manpower in the sector continues to rise.
“Nigerian youths must not be left behind in harnessing vast opportunities within clean energy and automotive industries,” he added.
According to the Minister, corps members under the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme will receive hands-on training in CNG conversion and maintenance, equipping them with technical competencies that promote employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
Comrade Olawande commended NYSC, NADDC, and Pi-CNG for their commitment to expanding technical and vocational opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.
In the welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by Director, Planning, Research & Statistics (PRS), Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, described the initiative as a timely intervention that strengthens institutional collaboration and enhances effective policy implementation for youth empowerment in emerging sectors.
Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed the Corps commitment to expanding the SAED programme to provide corps members with hands-on technical exposure that enhances employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, noted that collaboration will accelerate local automotive innovation and build the skilled workforce required for Nigeria’s transition to clean energy mobility.
Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, represented by Special Assistant, Mr. Omo Imoukhuede, highlighted that the partnership marks a significant step toward deepening CNG adoption and electric vehicle integration, while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youths.
Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to seamless implementation, effective monitoring, and measurable impact of youth-focused programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Signed:
Omolara Esan
Director, Information & Public Relations