Breaking Barriers: 50 Women Graduate as CNG Mechanics in Edo State

In a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and sustainable energy, 50 women from Edo State have graduated from a four-day training programme in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) automobile conversion. The training, organized by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in partnership with the Edo State Government and the Lady Mechanic Initiative, aims to position women at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial revolution.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the moment as historic in reshaping perceptions about women in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors. She said, “This moment is more than a graduation. It is a declaration of what is possible when progressive policies meet courageous women. These 50 women are not just mechanics—they are trailblazers and proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real results.”

Over 1,500 women have been trained as auto mechanics across the country through the Lady Mechanic Initiative.

The CNG initiative follows extensive consultations in the automotive sector and aims to promote women’s participation in the industry.

The programme includes training and empowerment of female commercial drivers and Keke NAPEP operators, using clean energy vehicles and supported by financial literacy education.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by Barrister Ifeoma Williams, commended the inclusion of women in the country’s clean energy initiatives. She advocated for the integration of CNG conversion training into the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training curriculum, promising to support the programme’s expansion nationwide.

Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director General of NADDC, said that Edo State was selected for the pilot phase due to its high number of trained female mechanics and its early adoption of CNG technology. He emphasized that empowering women in this space would build national capacity and ensure inclusive access to the CNG value chain.

The Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, delivering the address of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, praised the uniqueness of the Edo State programme and its potential to drive economic growth and development.

Engineer Sandra Aguebor, founder of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, credited her success to her passion for the profession and urged the graduates to remain committed to succeed. The Lady Mechanic Initiative has been instrumental in promoting women’s participation in the automotive industry, and this programme is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey of these 50 women, who have acquired skills in CNG automobile conversion and are now equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities. The programme’s success is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in the automotive industry and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.