The Federal Government has initiated a program to convert petrol-powered commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at no cost in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Zaria, Kaduna State. In Ibadan, approximately 100 vehicles were converted at three locations: Mobil filling station on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, Automation Auto Gas in Podo Industrial Village, and Ajibode Retail Outlet on UI-Ojoo Road.
Louisa Afu, Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG initiative, highlighted that the conversion kits were part of efforts to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and promote cleaner energy. Afu noted that CNG would help vehicle owners cut fuel costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. She also assured that the program would expand nationwide, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
In Zaria, the government introduced a similar initiative, converting 50 vehicles as part of the Presidential CNG Initiative. Dauda Suleiman, Team Lead for the CNG conversion, emphasized CNG’s cost-effectiveness and lower maintenance requirements. He also acknowledged the need for more refilling stations and training for mechanics to support the transition.
Vehicle owners in both locations have expressed mixed reactions. Sowole Jayeola, a recent CNG converter, praised the reduced monthly fuel costs but called for lower conversion fees. Meanwhile, Lawal Abdullahi, Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, lauded the initiative’s potential to lower transportation costs and improve economic benefits.
In Edo State, the program’s launch in Benin included signing agreements with partners and outlined a goal to convert one million vehicles nationwide. Tosin Coker, Head of Commercial at the Presidential CNG Initiative, stressed that the project aims to alleviate the impact of rising petrol prices and lower transportation costs for Nigerians.
Overall, the initiative reflects the government’s efforts to address fuel subsidy impacts and promote cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions.
