FG distributes free CNG conversion Kits to transport operators
By Ilenre Irele
The Federal Government has begun distributing Compressed Natural Gas ,CNG, conversion kits to transport operators, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers ,NURTW, UBER, at no cost.
Fielding questions from Newsmen, representative of the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), Moses Onate, disclosed that about 1,000 kits are being distributed to Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo states.
He said, “We are excited at the level of enthusiasm from the public since the exercise commenced,”
Also speaking, Nwaodu Austin Chinedu, an engineer with NipCo, who confirmed that the company’s warehouse is consistently stocked, and distribution is going smoothly across the country, said the P-CNGi aims is to convert one million commercial transport petrol vehicles to CNG by 2027, with 123 workshops already selected nationwide.
“Unionized commercial operators will start conversions at five FCT workshops, expanding nationwide, while ride-sharing operators like Bolt and UBER will get a 50% discount on conversion equipment and free installation.
“We are partnering with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to expand the AutoCNG infrastructure nationwide”.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NIPCO Gas, Nagendra Verma, said the company has been at the forefront of AutoCNG development since 2009, with 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has enabled CNG to be available for vehicles at N230 per liter, providing a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol.
“The PCNGi will deliver wide-reaching benefits to Nigerians by significantly cutting fuel costs and aligning with the government’s drive towards energy diversification.
“The distribution of 1 million free CNG conversion kits will be carried out in collaboration with key partners, ensuring nationwide accessibility.
“The first phase of the initiative will begin with the immediate distribution of 10,000 free conversion kits to transport operators.
“By switching to CNG, Nigeria is embracing a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable fuel alternative that benefits both the economy and the environment”.
