PeakNews Online
Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a major initiative to convert 30,000 petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within the next 90 days, with an estimated expenditure of N36 billion.
The government has procured 30,000 CNG conversion kits, each valued at N1.2 million, for nationwide distribution free of charge. This initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), aimed at promoting the adoption of CNG as an alternative transportation fuel.
During the Park to Park CNG Mobilisation programme at Ojota Park in Lagos, the Project Director and CEO of PCNGi, Michael Oluwagbemi, outlined the government’s plan. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to replacing costly petrol and diesel with CNG to lower transportation costs and, by extension, reduce food prices.
“The President has instructed us to distribute one million CNG kits to commercial drivers across Nigeria as palliatives,” Oluwagbemi said. “We have already acquired 30,000 kits for immediate distribution over the next three months. This will directly benefit commercial transport workers.”
Oluwagbemi also announced the construction of more CNG stations, where drivers can purchase CNG at less than N250 per kilogram. He emphasized that this initiative marks the end of exorbitantly priced fuel, as CNG will be available at a much lower cost.
In addition, Oluwagbemi mentioned that 150 drivers in Lagos will receive vouchers for free vehicle conversion at any of the 14 designated workshops. “The installers of these kits are here with us, and we will sign agreements with them to ensure seamless conversions,” he added.
He further highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of CNG, stating, “CNG is good for our pockets, the environment, and the food we eat. Lower transportation costs will lead to reduced food prices, fulfilling the government’s promise.”
Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed optimism that the CNG conversion initiative would reduce transportation costs by 50%.
