Mr. Folarin Oworu, the Program Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), has given his assurance that all 36 states in Nigeria will be thoroughly engaged and informed about converting petrol vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG). He emphasized that this shift will help reduce transportation costs and air pollution.
This CNG initiative is a pivotal part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to alleviate the impacts of removing the fuel subsidy. The goal is to provide relief to Nigerians by encouraging the use of CNG, which is both cleaner and more affordable than traditional fuel.
During a rally at Kaduna Park, Mr. Oworu highlighted that the initial focus is on converting commercial vehicles. An agreement has been signed with key transport unions to facilitate this transition. The Kaduna event kicked off with 100 conversion kits, and Lagos is the next target. The plan is to cover all 36 states by the end of the year.
“We’re fully mobilizing for CNG conversions. The President has decided to offer free conversions for road transport unions, including NURTW and NATO, to reduce commercial transport costs. By converting these vehicles, we aim to lower running costs, which will eventually make transportation cheaper for everyone. We’re starting in Kaduna, then moving to Lagos, and covering all states by year-end. Conversion partners at various locations will handle the process, and the kits are entirely free,” Mr. Oworu explained.
The government has partnered with various entities across states. In Kaduna, 100 conversion kits were distributed, with plans to replenish them as needed. The goal is to convert around 250,000 vehicles annually, starting next year. Conversion kits, which can cost between one to 1.5 million naira depending on vehicle type, will be provided free of charge.
Former National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Najim Usman Yasin, praised President Tinubu’s initiative, noting that it aims to convert one million commercial vehicles to CNG. He urged transport union members to embrace the program, which promises to reduce transportation costs and fuel expenses, thus easing the burden on the masses.
Yasin appreciated the President and organizers for involving transport workers and supporting the transport sector. He highlighted the program’s potential to significantly lower fuel prices and transportation costs, benefiting the public. He encouraged all transport organizations to participate, emphasizing that the conversion process is set to begin immediately.
“This initiative will reach all 36 states. We, the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria and the National Association of Transport Owners, commend President Bola Tinubu for this outstanding support for the transport sector. We call on all transport organizations to join this program. Agreements have been signed, and vehicles can now be converted at designated centers.
This program focuses solely on commercial vehicles, ensuring our members are fully engaged. We appreciate the President’s efforts and those who worked tirelessly to make this a reality. The high cost of fuel significantly impacts transportation fares, but with the P-CNGi program, we expect fuel prices and transportation costs to decrease.
We thank the President for providing the conversion kits free of charge, aiming to convert one million vehicles without cost. We are grateful for this initiative,” Yasin concluded.
