Nigeria Launches Ambitious Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to Mitigate Fuel Subsidy Hardships
The federal government of Nigeria has launched the Conversion Incentive Programme of the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in an effort to alleviate the difficulties faced by citizens following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The programme, which aims to convert one million automobiles for free, was flagged off by Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Program Director of the Presidential CNG project. Oluwagbemi emphasized that the initiative is designed to fulfill the President’s promise to Nigerians, citing the difficulties faced by all citizens. He noted that the programme will work with four conversion centers signed up in Ogun State.
Under the initiative, commercial drivers, as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and National Association of Tricycle Owners (NATO), will receive conversion kits. The programme will also include 50 nominees from each of the three major unions, who will utilize the conversion facilities to ensure a smooth start.
According to Oluwagbemi, this will mark the 60th program signing across Nigeria, with the goal of providing free conversion kits to conversion centers. When the conversion process begins, individuals will be able to fuel their vehicles at any of the CNG refueling stations present in Ogun State.
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Energy, Jide Onakoya, hailed the programme as a game-changer for the state, emphasizing its potential to significantly reduce pollution.
The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.
