From Moshood Karim
Fifty women on Friday graduated from a specialised training programme in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion, marking what officials have called a “historic milestone” in the country’s push for cleaner automotive technologies and female empowerment.
The five-day event, held in Benin City, Edo State, was the culmination of a joint initiative by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative, under the theme: “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s clean energy transition and a bold step towards dismantling gender stereotypes in technical careers.
“This moment is more than a graduation; it is a declaration of what is possible when progressive policies meet courageous women,” she said. “These 50 women are not just mechanics—they are trailblazers and proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real results.”
The Minister revealed that over 1,500 women have now been trained as auto mechanics in Nigeria, many of them through programmes pioneered by the Lady Mechanic Association, founded by Engineer Sandra Aguebor. She noted that the initiative had emerged from extensive consultations across the automotive sector and represents a deliberate effort to embed women at the centre of Nigeria’s industrial and energy revolution.
“This programme is about rewriting the narrative—placing women not just in workshops but at the heart of national transformation. Careers have no gender, and dreams must know no limits,” she declared, to enthusiastic applause.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the initiative also promotes societal change: “Very soon, men will be seeking mechanic wives—women who are earning, leading, and redefining success.”
The Minister also hinted at plans to expand the initiative to include the training and empowerment of female commercial drivers and Keke NAPEP riders, all equipped with clean energy vehicles and financial literacy skills.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by Barrister Ifeoma Williams, praised the inclusion of women in Nigeria’s energy transition, describing the training as more than technical instruction but “a conversion of perception about what women can do and where they belong.”
“You are not just mechanics; you are movement makers,” Williams told the graduates. “Skills-led industrialisation and energy-linked empowerment are two pillars of our new national industrial policy, and you represent that vision in action.”
She called for the integration of the CNG training into the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum, promising to support scaling the programme nationwide.
Delivering the speech of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, noted that the governor lauded the uniqueness of the Edo State programme.
The SSG said, “I’m very much aware that this conversion of CNG programme is a programme carried out by NADDC and it has done that in about three States, Edo, Ekiti and Imo States.”
“But Edo State is very unique because this is the first time that all participants are women. Women trained as mechanics have also been done in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative. So Edo State is setting a standard that will be difficult to beat by any other state.”
The governor underscored the State’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasising its recognition as not just a matter of social justice but also “smart economics.”
He highlighted studies demonstrating that empowering women leads to economic growth and an increase in GDP. “In Edo State, we are reflecting this vision,” he affirmed, citing the careful selection of the right person to anchor the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
He revealed, “Within our administration’s four-year tenure, there is an approved plan to train and empower 54,000 women, with a quarterly target of empowering 1,000 women. The governor also recently launched an interest-free loan of N1 billion for female traders and market women”
On her part, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, who coordinates the Office of the First Lady commended the initiative of empowering women through mechanics training and sought more collaborations on supporting women and the girl child, to enhance their economic empowerment and development.
According to Mrs. Anani, “It is highly commendable to bring women into the male-dominated space.
We are promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well; indirectly, by having women work on the vehicles. Because we are empowering them, we are making them multimillionaires. We are giving them, and they are giving back to society. They are also contributing to our GDP.
“It is really important. We are removing the girls from the streets and bringing them into more productive things. It is a good thing; I really commend you. I would really appreciate if we can have more initiatives like this in the State, especially for the girl child and women. It will help them with a sense of purpose.”
Earlier in his remarks, NADDC Director General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, explained why Edo State was chosen for the pilot phase, citing its reputation as home to the highest number of trained female mechanics in Nigeria and its early adoption of CNG technology.
“Edo State is not new to automotive innovation,” he said. “It was among the first to begin CNG use even before it became national policy. This programme is both technically and economically viable, given Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.”
Osanipin disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a subsidy for vehicle conversions, ensuring that citizens in Edo will not bear the cost. He also announced that conversion kits will be delivered to the state soon under the Presidential CNG Initiative.
“By empowering women in this space, we are building national capacity and ensuring inclusive access to the CNG value chain,” he said. “Countries that have invested in women’s participation in the auto sector have also seen the highest uptake of gas-powered vehicles. Nigeria can and must follow suit.”
Engineer Sandra Aguebor, widely recognised as Nigeria’s first female mechanic, received accolades from both ministers for her pioneering role. Her Lady Mechanic Initiative continues to mentor and train women across the country.
In her remarks, Engineer Sandra Aguebor stated that it was her passion for the job of a mechanic that enhance her success urging the graduands to be committed to achieve success.
As the newly trained mechanics received their certificates, applause filled the hall, symbolising a national shift—not only in the energy sector but in the mindset about women’s roles in industry.
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