…Opens Talks With ICT Agencies to Train Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is ramping up efforts to equip Nigerians with cutting-edge skills as it opens discussions with the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to begin nationwide training on auto conversion processes to cleaner energy.
The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to transition the transportation sector from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Speaking at a two-day review meeting on the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Abuja, NDE Director General, Silas Ali Agara, said the Directorate is shifting from conventional skill acquisition programmes to specialised training that targets current and emerging sectors.
“We are moving away from the regular training to special skill sets that can meet the everyday challenges of Nigerians,” Agara said, noting that the partnership with PiCNG and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, through the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), has reached advanced stages.
According to Agara, “Talks are ongoing with the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas. We are also at the point of signing the dotted lines with the Ministry of Petroleum and NGEP.”
He further revealed that beyond auto conversion, NDE is in active discussion with top-tier ICT firms and international NGOs to train young Nigerians in tech-related fields and entrepreneurship. These collaborations aim to position youths to explore opportunities in the digital economy.
“We are also engaging with IT-related agencies and NGOs of international repute. Agreements have been reached and once our state coordinators—our foot soldiers—align with the programme vision, we will begin implementation immediately,” he said.
Agara expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative which, he said, has already empowered over 5,000 Nigerians nationwide, including the FCT, with various life and business skills.
He assured that with feedback from state coordinators and the successful outcome of the ongoing strategy sessions, NDE plans to roll out a fresh batch of targeted empowerment programmes before the end of May 2025.
“Once our technical meeting wraps up and our state coordinators are on board, Nigerians can expect the official rollout of these strategic programmes. We are confident this will significantly boost employment and self-reliance,” Agara added.
The training initiative, when fully operational, is expected to serve as a critical link in President Bola Tinubu’s drive to accelerate job creation, encourage clean energy adoption, and foster digital innovation among Nigerian youths.
