Free vehicle conversion to CNG launches in Abuja, Lagos, others
The federal government’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) aims to create approximately 100,000 jobs by converting around one million vehicles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The initiative has begun the nationwide conversion of vehicles to autogas, following the distribution of free conversion kits.
The Programme Director of PCNGi, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, speaking in Abuja, said, “We need to enable 25,000 technicians across 1,000 conversion centres. We require 2,300 refuelling stations, but we currently have only three. Additionally, we need more LCNG plants in the 14 to 15 core Northern states that do not have immediate access to piped natural gas.
“We also need mini-LNG plants, ideally in two or three locations across the country—one in each of the geopolitical zones. Furthermore, we need over 2,500 vector pipeline trucks. It’s important to recognize that people will be operating and managing these resources.”
“We are ensuring that investment is directed to the corridors with the highest number of users because 90 percent of Nigerians travel along three major transit corridors: the Lagos to Kano corridor, the Calabar to Benin corridor, and the Lagos to Benin via Lokoja corridor. By focusing on these areas, we aim to reduce the cost of food and transportation.”
It was reported that in Lagos, commercial drivers flocked to conversion centres throughout the state to convert their vehicles to CNG.
According to newsmen, following the distribution of kits, motorists have been advised to visit various conversion centres to have their vehicles converted free of charge.
At one of the centres visited by journalists, the Portland Conversion Centre on Ikorodu Road in Ojota, no fewer than 30 vehicles were waiting to be converted.
Speaking with newsmen, Ayodele Jeleel, a member of the NURTW Mile 12 branch, said he decided to bring his vehicle to the centre after learning that other drivers had converted their vehicles and found it to be cheaper than running on petrol.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Portland Gas Limited, Michelle Ejiofor, stated, “CNG is a cleaner energy.”
The Commercial Operations Manager at P-CNGi, Omoh Imoukhuede, reiterated in an interview with newsmen that the CNG programme is here to stay.
In Kaduna, P-CNGi began converting 150 commercial vehicles free of charge.
There are further reports that this initiative aims to reduce transportation costs following the increase in the pump price of petrol.
The Coordinator of Logistics and Supply for P-CNGi, Thomas Ayu, stated during the distribution of the kits that they would be provided and installed for free on commercial vehicles in Zaria, at Peugeot Kakuri in Kaduna, and at Royal Energies in Kakau.
Additionally, the Team Lead for P-CNGi at the National Institute for Transport Technology (NITT) centre in Zaria, Dauda Suleiman, mentioned that the beneficiaries include the NURTW, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Taxis.
The Chairman of the Zaria branch of the NURTW, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, commended the federal government’s initiative.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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