FG begins free conversion of CNG vehicles in Oyo, Kaduna

The Federal Government has commenced the free conversion of petrol-powered commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and in Zaria, Kaduna State.

In Ibadan, about 100 commercial vehicles were converted from petrol to CNG at three different locations, namely Mobil filling station, Ibadan-Lagos expressway; Automation Auto Gas, plot 2, block 7, Podo Industrial village; and Ajibode Retail outlet, on UI-Ojoo road, all within Ibadan metropolis, on Saturday.

Speaking during the programme, the Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG, Louisa Afu, explained that the distribution of conversation kits was part of the government’s efforts to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidies and promote cleaner energy.

Afu stressed that the free conversion exercise was expected to benefit many vehicle owners in Ibadan and its environs, who will not only reduce their fuel costs but also contribute to a cleaner environment.

She, therefore, assured Nigerians that the exercise would be extended to other parts of Nigeria, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards promoting sustainable energy solutions.

“We are here on behalf of the President to hand over 150 conversion kits and cylinders, these kits are to be used commercial vehicles, this is one of the ways the President has said he feels the pains of Nigerians.

“CNG is the proper and better option. Gas is cheaper, sustainable and safer. Nigeria is a gas country because we have more gas than oil. Gas is more sustainable. We have refilling stations in Ibadan, and more of them are still being built. Every vehicle from 1996 till date can be converted from petrol to CNG.” She confirmed.

In their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Park Management System in the state, Ademola Adeoye and Kamorudeen Idowu, respectively commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative and described it as a welcome development in the transportation sector.

A CNG user, Sowole Jayeola said the cost of conversion to CNG was still high and appealed to the government to reduce the cost of CNG conversion for more Nigerians to embrace it.

“I converted my car two months ago. It is the best way to go, I used to spend between N200,000 to N250,000 monthly on petrol, but now that I’ve converted to CNG, I now spend between N25,000 to N26,000 monthly,” he stated.

In Kaduna, the Federal Government launched an initiative to convert 50 vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas in Zaria, as part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative is providing free conversion kits and installation for commercial drivers with the first 50 vehicles.

Team Lead for the CNG conversion initiative at the the National Institute for Transport Technology Centre, Dauda Suleiman, made this known during the pre-conversion tests for 50 vehicles belonging to commercial transport union members in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday.

The beneficiaries, he said, include members of the National Union of Road  Transport Workers of Nigeria, National Association of Transport Owners, and Association of Taxis among others, Suleiman explained that the removal of subsidy on petrol and the government’s emphasis on CNG was due to its abundance and lower cost.

“A kilogram of CNG goes for N230 in Abuja and N455 in Kaduna, making it cheaper than petrol. Additionally, CNG covers more distance than petrol, making it a cost-effective option.

“The removal of subsidy on petrol and the government’s emphasis on CNG is due to its abundance and lower cost,” he said.

He also noted that the cost of conversion varies depending on the location and availability of kits, pointing out that “we are committed to making this initiative accessible to all.”

“While the initial 50 vehicles will receive free conversion kits, others can access the kits at a reasonable cost. We are working to ensure that the cost of conversion is not a barrier to adoption,” he added.

He noted that currently, CNG availability was limited in Kaduna, with only one refilling station available while expressing confidence that the government would establish more CNG stations across the country.

Addressing concerns about maintenance and durability, Suleiman emphasised that CNG was 90 per cent maintenance-free, saying “CNG requires minimal maintenance beyond regular vehicle maintenance. We also offer training programmes for mechanics to address any concerns.”

Suleiman, who is an Assistant Director at the NITT, also acknowledged that public awareness and education were crucial to the success of the initiative.

“CNG is the future of Nigeria’s transportation sector. We are committed to making this initiative a success and ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the reduced fuel costs and increased efficiency that CNG offers.

“CNG is not just a fuel, it’s a game-changer. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing its impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Lawal Abdullahi, commended the Federal Government’s initiative to convert commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas.

Abdullahi, who spoke to newsmen at the event, said the conversion would significantly reduce operating costs for commercial vehicle owners, leading to decreased transport fares and improved economic benefits for Nigerians.

“We thank God for providing this opportunity for our members, who are primarily commercial vehicle owners. Abdullahi said.

“The conversion to CNG will significantly boost our economy in terms of transportation. We appreciate the Federal Government’s consideration and our leaders’ follow-up efforts to make this a reality,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, the removal of subsidy on petrol made the CNG conversion even more critical for commercial vehicle owners.

“With the removal of subsidies, fuel costs will increase, but with CNG, our members will save significantly. This will enable them to reduce transport fares, making transportation more affordable for Nigerians,” he added.

He disclosed  that many NURTWN members were eager to convert their vehicles, with 50 vehicles already converted and 500 members awaiting conversion.

“Our members are enthusiastic about this initiative. We have 500 members who are eager to convert their vehicles, and we are working closely with the Federal Government to ensure a seamless process.

“I urge them to cooperate and understand the Federal Government’s intentions. The government means well, and this initiative aims to ease the transportation system following the removal of subsidy on petrol.”

In Edo State, the Federal Government declared that the conversion of vehicles using fuel to gas would reduce transportation costs which would culminate in an affordable cost of living for the masses.

At the launch of the initiative in Benin on Saturday and the signing of agreements with various partners, the Head of Commercial at the Presidential CNG Initiative, Tosin Coker, said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mitigate the sufferings posed by the continuous increase in the price of petrol.

He said the project is targeting one million vehicles across the country and that the conversion would be at no cost to the owner of the vehicle.

He said, “The launch of this initiative will reduce the petrol pressure and eventually bring the price down, reduce the cost in transportation that would culminate in an affordable cost of living for the masses.

“The initiative which was launched in five other states is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mitigate the sufferings posed by the continuous increase in the price of petrol.

“Mr President has directed that we incentivize all commercial vehicles in the country, we have a target to convert a million vehicles across the nation in partnership with the transport associations; they can come to Pi-CNG partners’ conversion centres and have their vehicles converted at no cost to them including the cost of conversion.

“This is a very laudable policy and initiative directive by the president. The idea is that as the government is making this available it will reduce the cost of petrol, the cost of transportation and they can pass those savings on to the masses.”

Coker said on conceptualization about one year ago, Tinubu set up a steering committee with three core mandates of incentivizing the project, enabling the financing infrastructure and regulating the new scheme.