The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has launched a comprehensive national program aimed at lowering transport fares and promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable fuel alternative. The initiative, which started today in Abuja, is set to bring relief to commuters and provide new opportunities for Nigerian youth.
As part of the program, PCNGI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This agreement focuses on converting fleet vehicles on key routes, such as the Abuja-Itakpe Station—Ajaokuta Train Station—Adavi route, to CNG. In return, commuters on these routes will see a reduction in fares of 30% to 40%.
PCNGI’s Program Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, stated, “This initiative will encourage members of the NURTW in Abuja to convert their vehicles to CNG in exchange for a fare reduction. It’s a win-win situation for both operators and passengers, as it not only reduces transportation costs but also promotes the use of cleaner energy.”
Following the Abuja launch, PCNGI will expand the program to 38 centres across Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo states by September 28th, 2024. This effort is part of a nationwide drive to incentivize commercial operators to adopt CNG, while also offering financial relief to the public through lower transport costs.
PCNGI will also collaborate with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to implement the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme. Oluwagbemi further explained that “We will sign an agreement with the NPTF on Monday, September 30th, 2024, to train police cadets to manage CNG conversion centres funded by the NPTF, further driving the transition to CNG in Nigeria’s public and commercial transport sectors.”
In celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day on October 1st, 2024, the PCNGI, in partnership with the Ministry of Youths, will launch a CNG Tricycle Empowerment Program. This initiative will provide 2000 young Nigerians with CNG-powered tricycles, offering them an opportunity to earn a livelihood while also promoting the adoption of cleaner energy solutions.
On October 2nd, 2024, PCNGI will roll out the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Programme, handing over CNG buses to the state’s mass transit system for use on the Kogi-Abuja route. Additionally, three new CNG conversion sites will be established in the state to support ongoing efforts.
To conclude the week, PCNGI will extend its efforts to Ekiti State, with the handover of CNG buses to the state’s mass transit organization for the Abuja route, and the inauguration of four new CNG conversion sites.
Oluwagbemi emphasized, “The initiative represents a critical step in lowering transport costs, creating employment, and ensuring a more sustainable and eco-friendly transport system for Nigerians.”
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