In a bold move to alleviate transportation costs and promote cleaner energy alternatives, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) has launched a nationwide programme aimed at slashing transport fares and empowering Nigerian youths with tricycles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via his official X handle, unveiling the “Transport Fare Drop Programme” as a critical milestone in the drive for widespread adoption of CNG as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternative to traditional fuel sources.
The programme kicked off today in Abuja, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PCNGi and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The MOU covers the Abuja-Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Adavi route, ensuring the conversion of NURTW’s fleet to CNG-powered vehicles in exchange for a significant fare reduction of 30-40%. This move aims to not only reduce transport costs but also ease the burden of rising fuel prices on commuters.
The initiative, however, is just getting started. On Saturday, September 28th, 2024, the PCNGi will expand its commercial transport incentive programme across 38 centres nationwide, targeting states such as Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo. These centres will facilitate vehicle conversion to CNG, allowing more transport operators to benefit from the fare reduction scheme.
In a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), the PCNGi will also operationalise the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme starting Monday, September 30th, 2024. The initiative aims to train police cadets to manage conversion centres funded by the NPTF, enhancing Nigeria’s infrastructure for widespread CNG adoption.
As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations on October 1st, 2024, the PCNGi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youths, will launch the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Programme. Through this initiative, over 2,000 Nigerian youths will be empowered to own and operate CNG-powered tricycles, providing them with sustainable employment opportunities while contributing to the country’s transition to greener energy.
The momentum continues on October 2nd, 2024, when the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Programme will be launched, with CNG buses handed over to the state’s mass transit entity for interstate routes to Abuja. Additionally, three new CNG conversion sites will be inaugurated in the state.
To cap off the week, Ekiti State will join the movement with a similar handover of CNG buses to its mass transit organisation and the inauguration of four new conversion centres, further solidifying PCNGi’s commitment to spreading CNG adoption nationwide.
Speaking on the initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of PCNGi, expressed optimism that these efforts would not only alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians but also contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Issued on behalf of PCNGi
Michael Oluwagbemi
Programme Director/Chief Executive
This comprehensive initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing rising fuel costs while simultaneously creating green jobs and promoting sustainability across Nigeria’s transport sector.
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