The Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) has launched its first compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion and training center at the Industrial Development Center (IDC) in Idu, Abuja.

Charles Odii, managing director of SMEDAN, spoke on Friday at the inauguration of a conversion and training center at GNC in Abuja.

odii said the initiative - which is in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) and Rolling Energy - will support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

“This new center is designed to convert vehicles to CNG, an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels,” he said.

“With its capacity to convert nine vehicles per day and a dedicated team of 20 technicians, the center will help SMEs reduce their transport costs and adapt to changing energy needs.

“It will also train young Nigerians to convert, maintain, and repair CNG, allowing them to acquire practical skills and open up new business opportunities.

“At SMEDAN, we are committed to taking 10% of these cars to transform them in our centers.

By adopting CNG, we are helping SMEs reduce costs while promoting sustainable energy practices. This effort is particularly timely as businesses face rising fuel costs as a result of the removal of subsidies.