BY Bunmi Aduloju
The presidential compressed natural gas initiative (PCNGI) has inaugurated a CNG vehicle pilot conversion centre as part of the federal government’s effort to curtail the petrol subsidy removal effect.
Speaking at the inauguration of the FEMADAC station, located in Lekki-Epe, Lagos state, on Saturday, Micheal Oluwagbemi, chief executive officer (CEO) of PCNGI, described the step as a significant development.
According to a NAN report, Oluwagbemi said the CNG centre would bring a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria.
He said the event was of immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices.
“Today (Saturday), as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future,” Oluwagbemi said.
“We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time.
“The commissioning of the first of Lagos PCNGI Pilot Conversion Centres is historic, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the PCNGI initiative.”
The engineer said that the initiative represents Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.
The conversion centre, he said, was not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also a beacon of hope for its citizens.
He said the initiative would create jobs and greener opportunities.
“More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians,” Oluwagbemi said.
“This works by collaborating with private sector is to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from seven to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better.
“By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.”
He said the conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy; it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
On Friday, the federal government had flagged off the CNG initiative, waiving value-added tax (VAT) on CNG bus purchases.
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