Presidential CNG Initiative to Cover All States by Year-End

The Program Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Mr. Folarin Oworu, has announced plans to extend the program to all 36 states in Nigeria by the end of the year.

The initiative aims to convert vehicles from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG), a move designed to ease the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal policy.

Speaking at a rally in Kaduna on Thursday, Mr. Oworu highlighted that the Presidential CNG Initiative (CNGi) is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to alleviate the burden on the masses by promoting CNG as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to petrol.

The primary focus of the initiative is on converting commercial vehicles. Agreements have already been made with key transport unions, including the NURTW and NATO.

The Kaduna launch saw the distribution of 100 conversion kits, with the next event scheduled for Lagos. Mr. Oworu expressed optimism about reaching all 36 states by year-end.

“Our goal is to provide comprehensive CNG conversion support. The President has decided to offer this conversion service free of charge to road transport unions.

By converting these commercial vehicles, we aim to lower transportation costs, which will, in turn, benefit end users with more affordable fares,” Mr. Oworu stated.

The program involves the distribution of free conversion kits, valued between one and 1.5 million naira, depending on the vehicle type and kit specifications.

These kits cater to four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and eight-cylinder vehicles with varying CNG storage capacities.

Mr. Oworu noted that while Kaduna is receiving 100 kits initially, the program will revisit the state as needed, with a target to convert approximately 250,000 vehicles annually starting next year.

In a show of support, former National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Majid Usman Yasmin, lauded President Tinubu’s initiative.

Yasmin praised the program’s potential to reduce fuel and transportation costs, benefiting an estimated one million vehicles.

Yasmin urged members of NURTW, NATO, and other transport groups to take part in the program, which aims to reduce the financial strain on the public by making transportation more affordable.

He thanked the President and the program organizers for involving transport workers and for the initiative’s overall support.

He emphasized, “This program will reach all 36 states. We commend President Tinubu for his support and urge all transport organizations to participate.

The conversion kits, which were initially expected to be purchased, are being provided free of charge, benefiting approximately one million vehicles.”

Yasmin concluded by expressing his gratitude to the President and all involved for making the program a reality, noting its potential to decrease fuel prices and positively impact the transportation sector across Nigeria.