By Aaior K. Comfort
In a move aimed at reducing fuel costs and providing a more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at N230 per litre. This initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), designed to offer a cheaper and cleaner fuel option compared to petrol, which currently exceeds N900 per litre.
The introduction of CNG reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to lowering the cost of living and addressing the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies. By diversifying energy sources, the government aims to provide immediate relief to Nigerians, particularly those reliant on transportation.
As part of this initiative, the government will distribute one million free CNG conversion kits to commercial vehicles over the next 18 months. These kits, along with free installation, will facilitate the transition to CNG for vehicles involved in transporting people, food, and goods. The rollout of these kits will be supported through partnerships with major transport associations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Moove, Uber, and the Kaduna State Transport Authority (KSTA).
The initial phase of the PCNGi will see 10,000 free conversion kits distributed this week. This effort is supported by NIPCO Gas, which will oversee the conversion process through a network of authorized conversion centers across Nigeria. These centers will provide the necessary infrastructure and services to ensure a smooth transition for vehicles switching to CNG.
By adopting CNG, Nigeria is embracing a more sustainable and cost-effective fuel alternative that benefits both the economy and the environment. The government aims to complete the distribution of one million conversion kits by the end of 2025, fully equipping the commercial transport sector to shift away from costly petrol and diesel.
Active conversion centers include Kojo Motors in Surulere, OttoXpress Limited in Ikoyi, AutoMedics Limited in Ilupeju, Briscoe Nigeria Plc in Rivers, Rolling Energy Limited in Kwara State, Nsik Oil and Gas Company in Akwa Ibom, NITT in Gombe and Ekiti, NIPCO Gas in Ibafo, Abuja, Sapele, and BOVAS in Idimu-Ikotun, Lagos, among others.