Nigeria targets 11,500 gas-powered vehicles in new initiative

By Onome Amuge.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to promote nationwide adoption of gas-powered vehicles.

Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, in a statement,said the initiative was in furtherance of the president’s commitment to easing the impact of the petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs

Ngelale said the initiative is also aimed at revolutionising the transportation landscape in the country, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing petrol-dependent vehicles.

This, he explained, would simultaneously bolster in-country manufacturing, local assembly, and expand job creation, in line with the presidential directive.

The special adviser also disclosed that the initiative, which comprises a comprehensive adoption strategy, will include empowering workshop programmes/nationwide network of workshops, local assembly and job creation as key points of emphasis with an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs to significantly reduce transit costs for the general populace in the immediate term.

According to Ngelale, the PCNGI will facilitate the provision of workshops across all geopolitical zones and states with essential kits, and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, thus creating new opportunities for technical skill development and employment for Nigerians.

“The new nationwide network of workshops to be established through the initiative would ensure widespread access and demand side utilisation of CNG technology and CNG-related expertise, thereby facilitating smoother transitions for vehicle owners at the wider benefit of the Nigerian economy,” he stated.

Ngelale stated further that under the aegis of the PCNGI, the strategic objectives, which will be achieved, include the development of new stakeholder-operated intrastate mass transit systems built on CNG; support for states to onboard new CNG buses as part of their intrastate mass transit network (wholesale conversion, retro-fitting and new purchase); the deployment of CNG buses through existing private mass transit operators, including new financing programmes for operators through an innovative asset finance programme.

Others include: Incentivise investors to invest in CNG processing, distribution and utilisation by providing incentives for enhanced investment and partnership; deliver training and technology transfer to support the after-sales services and maintenance of sub-industry to create sustainable jobs.

Ngelale added that the president’s focus will go a long way to stimulate economic growth, and strengthen the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.

“The launch of this initiative also underscores this administration’s commitment to fostering a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security through the utilisation of domestic natural gas resources,” he added.