Conversion centres across Nigeria have begun receiving deliveries of Compressed Natural Gas kits as part of the Federal Government?s efforts to address rising transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions.

This initiative, overseen by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, aims to offer a more affordable and environmentally friendly fuel alternative for commercial vehicles.

At least 18 conversion centres nationwide have each taken delivery of 50 CNG kits, according to the Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, on Saturday during an inspection of some of the centres in Abuja.

?Today, we?re launching the distribution of CNG kits, providing an opportunity for commercial drivers to participate in the conversion incentive programme announced by Mr President.

?In August, the President pledged to provide one million free conversion kits for the commercial sector to help moderate transportation fares across the country,? he said.

According to him, the initiative has already benefited seven centres in Abuja, with plans for wider distribution.

?We?ve signed up over 75 conversion partners across eight states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Kogi, Nasarawa, FCT, and Kaduna. Later this month, we?ll add nine more states, including Kwara, Akwa Ibom, and others,? Oluwagbemi revealed.

The free conversion kits, available to commercial vehicle owners, are part of the government?s strategy to ease transportation costs.

Oluwagbemi explained that drivers only need to present their commercial vehicle documents or identification for verification.

He further stated that the initiative aims to convert one million vehicles to CNG, a move expected to save N750 million ? equivalent to a single month?s fuel subsidy payment ? and create 100,000 direct jobs.

A commercial taxi driver, John Ojonugwa, at the Abg CNG centre in Abuja, expressed optimism while waiting in line for his vehicle?s conversion.

Speaking at Abg CNG Dawaki, Abuja, one of the technicians, Mas?ud Ya?u, said, ?It takes one day to convert a vehicle to CNG. Due to the division of labour, we used to convert about four cars a day.

?I heard this initiative is free of charge, and I am hopeful it will get to my turn to have my vehicle converted,? he said, after waiting since 6 a.m.

Oluwagbemi emphasised the economic and environmental benefits of the initiative.

?Our goal is to reduce Nigeria?s reliance on petrol and diesel, which has bankrupted our economy. We?ve consistently borrowed $8-10bn annually to subsidise petrol and diesel over the last 15 years. Meanwhile, we?ve flared $12.5bn worth of gas in the last five years. It?s time to move towards a cleaner, cheaper, safer, and more reliable gas future,? he said.

He added that the President?s vision for the conversion programme would also involve establishing 2,300 refilling stations and additional energy plants to meet the growing demand for CNG.

?This initiative is a net win for all Nigerians, providing a cheaper product, creating jobs, transferring technology, and eliminating debt and distortions caused by subsidies. We urge everyone to support Mr President?s vision and dream,? he added.

(The PUNCH)

Update news