The Federal government in August commissioned over 100 CNG vehicles produced by Innoson motors.
Zaria, Nigeria – The Federal Government has launched the conversion of 50 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Zaria, Kaduna State, under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative (PCNGi).
The initiative is aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving fuel efficiency in Nigeria.
The lead of the CNG conversion team at the National Institute for Transport Technology (NITT), Dauda Suleiman, disclosed that the government is providing free conversion kits and installation for commercial vehicles.
He made the announcement during pre-conversion tests for 50 vehicles owned by commercial transport union members in Zaria on Saturday.
Beneficiaries of the initiative include members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), and the Association of Taxis, among others.
Suleiman explained that the shift to CNG was necessitated by the removal of the petrol subsidy and the abundance of natural gas in Nigeria. He stated that CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol, with prices in Abuja at N230 per kilogram and N455 in Kaduna. CNG also covers more distance than petrol, making it a cost-effective alternative.
“A kilogram of CNG costs N230 in Abuja and N455 in Kaduna, making it cheaper than petrol. Additionally, CNG covers more distance, making it a cost-effective option,” he said.
Suleiman further noted that while the first 50 vehicles would be converted for free, subsequent conversions would be available at a reasonable cost. He reassured that efforts are underway to make the process affordable and accessible to all drivers.
Although there is currently only one CNG refilling station in Kaduna, Suleiman expressed optimism that the government would establish more stations across the country.
Addressing concerns about maintenance, Suleiman emphasized that CNG systems require minimal upkeep beyond regular vehicle maintenance, adding that mechanics are being trained to handle any issues that arise.
Suleiman, who is an Assistant Director at NITT, highlighted the importance of public awareness and education for the success of the initiative, calling CNG the “future of Nigeria’s transportation sector.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, praised the government’s initiative. He noted that the conversion to CNG would significantly reduce operating costs for commercial drivers, which would in turn lower transportation fares and improve economic conditions for Nigerians.
Abdullahi also revealed that many NURTW members were eager to convert their vehicles, with 500 members awaiting conversion after the initial 50 vehicles.
“The conversion to CNG will greatly reduce transport costs. We thank the Federal Government for this opportunity and urge our members to embrace the initiative,” Abdullahi said.
The PCNGi is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s palliative measures to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies. It aims to promote CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuels in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
The Federal government in August commissioned over 100 CNG vehicles produced by Innoson motors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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