A new alternative to petrol is being carefully sought.
As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence anniversary, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has announced a series of impactful events aimed at promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel alternative.
The activities which started on September 27, 2024, has focused on incentives, empowerment, and infrastructure expansion to encourage CNG adoption across the country.
Recall that The Independence Week kicked off with the launch of the CNG Transport Fare Drop Program. Also, a signing ceremony with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) will initiate the conversion of fleet vehicles along the Abuja-Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Adavi route to CNG, in exchange for a 30-40% reduction in fare. This will make transportation more affordable while reducing the carbon footprint of public transit in Abuja
On September 28, PCNGI continued its nationwide commercial incentive program, expanding it to 38 centers across Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo states. This initiative is designed to provide incentives for commercial car owners to convert their vehicles to CNG, making the fuel transition more accessible in these key regions.
Furthering the adoption of CNG, on Monday, September 30, there will be a significant partnership between PCNGI and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF). The two entities will sign an agreement to operationalize the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Program, which will also include training cadets to manage strategic conversion centers. This collaboration not only aims to boost the use of CNG in police vehicles but also provide skills training to young officers.
The celebrations on Tuesday, October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, will be marked by the launch of the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Program. In collaboration with the Ministry of Youths, the program will provide over 2,000 young Nigerians with CNG-powered tricycles, creating job opportunities and promoting a cleaner environment.
This initiative will foster economic empowerment while encouraging the use of sustainable energy solutions.
Following the Independence Day celebrations, on October 2, PCNGI will launch the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Program, handing over CNG buses to the state’s mass transit system for interstate routes to Abuja. Additionally, three new CNG conversion sites will be inaugurated in Kogi, further enhancing the state’s infrastructure for CNG adoption.
Concluding the Independence Week activities, Ekiti State will witness the launch of its own CNG initiative. The handover of CNG buses for interstate routes to Abuja and the inauguration of four new CNG conversion centers will take place, further solidifying PCNGI’s efforts to make CNG a mainstream fuel option across Nigeria.
These initiatives represent a significant stride towards a cleaner, more affordable energy future for the nation.
