In a proactive move aimed at addressing the impact of subsidy removal on petrol, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially inaugurated a pilot conversion centre in Abuja for vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
During the launch of this initiative at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) in Abuja, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali emphasised that adopting an environmentally friendly energy source like CNG, which Nigeria has in abundance, will revolutionise the transportation sector in urban cities across the country, aligning Nigeria with global environmental goals.
The minister was represented by the acting director of road transport and mass transit administration at the ministry, Akhidenor Cynthia, who conveyed the message of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Alkali highlighted the health risks and environmental consequences posed by greenhouse gas emissions, stressing that Nigeria, as a signatory to greenhouse emission policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, cannot afford to lag behind.
Ajani encouraged Nigerians to view the conversion of vehicles to CNG as a symbol of new beginnings. She emphasised that the CNG initiative is not just about vehicle conversions but also about generating employment opportunities, with the ultimate goal of building a sustainable future powered by affordable and clean energy.
The director-general of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Dr. Bayero Salih-Farah welcomed all participants and underlined the program as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
The chief executive officer of P-CNGi, Michael Oluwagbemi hailed the adoption of CNG as a significant milestone in diversifying the transportation sector from its dependence on conventional fuel to natural gas. He emphasised that the CNG centre would pave the way for a more ecologically sustainable and economically prosperous future in Nigeria.
According to the P-CNGi Steering Committee, the country now boasts seven CNG conversion centres.
“Today, as we officially open the Abuja Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future. We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time,” Oluwagbemi said.
This cutting-edge facility is conveniently located on the premises of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology in Abuja.
