New Energy Push: NBTE Expands Skills Training to Include LPG and LNG in National Standards

In a major move to align Nigeria’s technical education with evolving energy demands, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has hosted a groundbreaking three-day workshop to revise and expand the National Occupational Standards (NOS). The workshop, which focused initially on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), now includes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), marking a significant shift toward broader, cleaner energy integration.

Held at the NBTE Centre of Excellence, the event drew professionals from both industry and academia, all united by a common goal: to redefine skill development in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Declaring the workshop open, NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, raised concerns about the current limitations in CNG availability, pointing to persistent fuel station queues as a major challenge. He stressed that while CNG remains important, LPG offers a more practical alternative due to its abundance and safer chemical composition.

“LPG is not just more available—it’s safer,” Bugaje said. “We’re taking this seriously by developing skills for underground LPG storage systems and proper installation methods. We’ve even begun piloting LPG-powered vehicles, and one of our own staff members, Engr. Bashir Datti, is already driving a prototype.”

Bugaje described the prototype vehicle powered by a 20-bar LPG cylinder as both efficient and secure, suggesting it could set a new benchmark for automotive fuel alternatives in Nigeria.

Representing the Director of Curriculum Development, Hajiya Zainab Suleiman emphasized the growing role of LPG in everyday Nigerian life. “In nearly every home, even in rural communities, LPG is in use. It’s time our technical training reflects that reality,” she said, urging participants to actively contribute to the framework for LPG and LNG skill development.

Professor M.M. Ibrahim, Chairman of the workshop review committee, explained the strategic expansion. “The initial focus on CNG was logical, but the realities on the ground have pushed us to evolve. LPG and LNG are more accessible and more widely used. It’s time the curriculum keeps up.”

The revised NOS is expected to introduce new vocational pathways, including certifications for LPG system installation, safety compliance, and LNG handling—paving the way for thousands of skilled jobs in Nigeria’s growing energy sector.