The Federal Government has launched a new platform to boost youth participation in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program

The Federal Government has launched a new platform to boost youth participation in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program. Announced by Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, on Monday in Abuja, this initiative follows the earlier introduction of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles by the government on October 1.

According to Olawande, the portal provides a way for young people across the country to register and connect with aggregators or tricycle owners working under the Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG), with the potential for participants to eventually become tricycle owners themselves. The portal ensures a transparent system for involving youths in the PiCNG scheme.

Olawande encouraged youths involved in the commercial transport sector, as well as those interested in entering it, to take advantage of this opportunity by signing up. He reiterated that the portal aligns with the government’s commitment to providing equal access to all its initiatives. Youths can visit www.youthcng.ng and www.bci.gov.ng/tricycles to find instructions and details on how to participate.

The minister highlighted that embracing CNG would foster environmental sustainability and reduce the country’s reliance on petrol subsidies. He also noted additional youth-centered programs like the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with ₦110 billion allocated for supporting youth entrepreneurs, and the Student Loans program designed to make education more accessible without financial burden.

Muhammad Hassan, the president of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, expressed his organization’s full support for the project, ensuring members will properly use the tricycles and repay loans promptly.

Speaking at the event, Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), represented by Tosin Coker, explained that the initiative would strengthen the Nigerian economy by reducing dependence on petrol. He emphasized that CNG is a cleaner, more cost-effective energy option, and its adoption would not only create jobs but also lessen the government’s fuel subsidy expenses.