Toba Owojaiye reporting
The Federal Government is preparing to introduce 11,500 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses as a solution to current transportation challenges. The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) made this announcement during the delivery of two CNG buses at the State House.
Michael Oluwagbemi, the project director of PCNGI, mentioned that state governments have shown interest in investing in CNG buses, with Rivers State already acquiring some to improve local transportation.
Oluwagbemi discussed the conversion costs, noting that they vary based on vehicle type and model. However, he assured that the government is actively working to reduce these costs and provide incentives to the Nigerian population.
The President is committed to supporting the PCNGI’s efforts to make conversions more affordable for Nigerians. Oluwagbemi emphasized that the cost of conversion depends on the vehicle’s model and type, but the government is taking steps to assist and incentivize the public.
Furthermore, the federal government has placed an order for 55,000 conversion kits to expedite the conversion process. The PCNGI plans to establish additional conversion centers over the next few weeks, starting in Lagos, aiming to complete 55,000 conversions within the next six months as part of a palliative program.
In addition to this, there will be a partnership with private sector, cooperatives, state governments, and union-operated mass transit operators to introduce over 11,500 CNG-fueled vehicles in the same period.
Chinedu Oguegbu, the Managing Director of OMAA Motors, praised the government’s initiative and highlighted the potential for job creation and industrialization through the production of Nigerian-made vehicles. This initiative not only supports the transition to cleaner energy but also fosters economic growth and job opportunities.
During the presentation ceremony, Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative Steering Committee, represented by Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive Officer of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), emphasized that the introduction of CNG buses symbolizes the government’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically sound future.
These buses, powered by compressed natural gas, represent a significant step in the journey toward cleaner and more cost-effective energy.