Fifty women have completed a landmark training in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, signaling a major step forward for Nigeria’s clean energy transition and women’s empowerment in the automotive industry.
The graduation ceremony, held in Benin City, Edo State, was the result of a collaboration between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
Themed “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry,” the initiative is part of broader efforts to create opportunities for women in technical fields traditionally dominated by men.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo—represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor—praised the programme’s uniqueness, highlighting that Edo was the first state to train an all-female cohort in CNG vehicle conversion.
He emphasized that empowering women is both a social justice imperative and a driver of economic growth.
“Edo State is setting a precedent that will be difficult to match. We are committed to empowering 54,000 women over four years, including a recently launched N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for female traders and market women,” he said.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a powerful symbol of progress in gender inclusion and green technology.
“This is more than a graduation—it is a declaration of what is possible when bold policy meets bold women,” she said.
“These 50 women are trailblazers, proving that the Renewed Hope Agenda is producing real results.”
She also noted that over 1,500 women have been trained as auto mechanics in Nigeria, many through initiatives led by Engineer Sandra Aguebor, founder of the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
The event was celebrated as a milestone in Nigeria’s effort to merge climate action with gender equity, technical training, and inclusive economic development.
