In a bid to advance Nigeria’s shift to Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative fuel, the Federal Government has handed over 15 CNG-powered buses to Ekiti State and inaugurated seven conversion centres.
The initiative, part of the Presidential CNG Initiative, aims to ease transportation costs and create jobs.
The CEO of the initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, made the announcement on Friday in Ado Ekiti. He revealed that the CNG sector had attracted over $175 million in investment, facilitating the establishment of conversion centres, assembly plants, and refueling stations nationwide.
Oluwagbemi stated, “States that are keying into this project are able to pass on up to a 40% reduction in transportation fares to their citizens,” adding that investments have already created thousands of jobs.
He also disclosed that 10 mother stations and 75 daughter stations are being developed, some of which are located in Ekiti State.
The CNG initiative also focuses on the assembly of cars, tricycles, and conversion kits, with assembly plants emerging in Lagos, Sagamu, Ajaokuta, and Abuja.
These plants are expected to boost employment and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Oluwagbemi highlighted that the number of conversion centres across the country had surged from seven to over 125 in a year, with 34,000 conversion kits already available and another 70,000 en route.
“We aim to achieve one million vehicle conversions by 2027,” he said, adding that the project will significantly reduce transportation costs and create opportunities for technicians and operators.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, praised the federal initiative, emphasizing the state’s commitment to embracing CNG technology.
He urged commercial vehicle operators to adopt CNG to benefit from reduced fuel costs and environmental advantages.
The newly inaugurated conversion centres in Ekiti are expected to employ hundreds of technicians, boosting the local economy.
Oluwagbemi concluded that Nigeria is moving toward creating a CNG Industrial Park, which will enhance industrial growth and job creation, particularly in states like Ekiti.
The distribution of CNG tricycles will also create jobs for operators, assemblers, and service personnel.
The unveiling of these centres is a major milestone in the federal government’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources while alleviating transportation costs for Nigerians.
