Compressed Natural Gas Initiative Set to Mobilise 36 States for Vehicle Conversion
Aims to Provide Relief to Nigerians by Promoting Cleaner, Affordable Alternative to Fuel
As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy on the masses, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has announced plans to fully mobilise and sensitise all 36 states in the country on the conversion of vehicles using petrol to compressed natural gas.
The initiative, according to Folarin Oworu, Programme Coordinator, PCNGI, seeks to provide relief to Nigerians by promoting the use of CNG as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to fuel. Speaking at a park rally in Kaduna, Oworu stated that the project targets commercial vehicles across the country and will begin with 100 conversion kits, with plans to cover the 36 states before the end of the year.
Under the initiative, President Bola Tinubu has decided to make the conversion free for road transport unions, including NURTW, NATO, and others. According to Oworu, the aim is to bring down the cost of commercial transportation and translate the savings to end-users through cheaper transportation.
The project has attracted various partners across the states, with partners set to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at different locations for commercial vehicles to undergo conversion.
Additionally, Najim Yasin, former National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended Tinubu’s initiative, stressing its potential to reduce fuel prices and transportation costs, thus alleviating the suffering of the masses. Yasin urged all transport organisations across the country to key into the programme.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative is a significant palliative measure aimed at cushioning the effects of the fuel subsidy removal policy on Nigerians. With plans to mobilise all 36 states and target over 250,000 vehicle conversions annually, the initiative has the potential to provide lasting relief to the transportation sector.
Source: Daily Nigerian.
