In a move aimed at reducing fuel dependency and promoting cleaner energy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the nationwide rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits for vehicles.
This initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is designed to transition vehicles from petrol and diesel to the more affordable and environmentally friendly CNG.
The announcement was made by Mr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, Program Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), during a tour of six CNG conversion centres in Abuja.
The centres visited included NIPCO Oil and Gas Station on Airport Road, Kia Motors in Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi, ABG CNG in Kubwa, Bovas Filling Station in Wuse Zone 5, and C&L Mart Energy Solutions Ltd in Lokogoma.
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Oluwagbemi highlighted that the initiative is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to provide one million free CNG conversion kits for commercial vehicles, with discounted options for private vehicles.
He emphasized the benefits of CNG as a more cost-effective and sustainable fueling option, helping to reduce transportation costs nationwide.
“The President has pledged to provide one million conversion kits at no cost for commercial vehicles, and at discounted rates for private vehicles,” Oluwagbemi said. “This initiative is designed to help moderate transportation costs nationwide over the coming years.”
While acknowledging the technical challenges of distributing and installing the kits, Oluwagbemi assured the public that safety and reliability are being prioritized.
The government has partnered with over 75 conversion centres in eight states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, FCT, and Kaduna. Plans are also underway to extend the initiative to nine additional states, including Kwara, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Kano, and Niger in the next six to eight weeks.
Mrs. Omolara Obileye, Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy for the initiative, explained that while commercial vehicles will receive free conversions, private vehicle owners will pay a portion of the costs based on their vehicle’s size and configuration.
She also noted that the program is expected to expand, with over 12 conversion centers already established in the FCT alone.
Representatives from the conversion centres expressed support for the initiative, praising the federal government for taking steps to alleviate fuel-related challenges and promote sustainable energy in Nigeria.
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