By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion workshop, refuelling station and training centre in the North Central zone has been commissioned in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Rolling Energy CNG station, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the state government has converted 20 of its petrol-engine vehicles to natural gas vehicles, adding that more would soon be added to the number.
The feat was described by Governor AbdulRazaq as safer and cheaper against other automobiles run on petrol, adding that the
project is an offshoot of excessive reliance of petrol that was corrected by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu when he removed the petroleum fuel subsidy.
He said, “What we are witnessing today is the beginning of new future marking our new lifestyle.”
“This is the direct benefit of oil subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu, adding that between last year and now, the President has given backing to natural gas over petrol.
“We have converted 20 government vehicles to CNG for test-drive, we shall convert all in few months.”
Noting that the exercise would create more jobs, especially for the youths, the Governor assured residents that the conversion is safer and cheaper.
Also speaking, the Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative (PiCNG), Engineer Michael Oluwagbemiga, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for supporting the Presidential initiative, right from the onset and his great understanding of the benefits in the adoption of gas.
Oluwagbemiga, who urged Nigerians to embrace the future, commended President Tinubu for his foresight and determination to take the country several miles into the future.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rolling Energy, Mubarak Danbata, enjoined all to embrace the Presidential Conversion of Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) which he described as the in-thing.
“I am free to announce our readiness for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to reduce our much dependencies on petrol.
“We are poised to join the government to increase resilience to provide reliable services to the state,” adding that the station is capable of converting six petrol vehicles to CNG daily.
“PBAT’s Initiative reflects our joint commitment to lift the nation. This is a sufficient energy future collaboration; it is all about securing new future for the generation yet to be born”, he added.