FG unveils CNG conversion, training centre in Abuja

The presidential compressed natural gas initiative (P-CNGi) has inaugurated the Abuja CNG conversion and training centre to ensure the attainment of a sustainable energy future in the country.

The centre was commissioned on Thursday at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT). 

In his remark, Zacch Adedeji, the chairman, P-CNGi, said the adoption of CNG was a pivotal way to reduce the cost of transportation in the country.

“At times for us at the Presidential CNG Initiative Steering Committee, when we are meeting we can’t just understand how it was possible that Nigeria up until today has been buying petrol for all cars and commercial vehicle when we have gas here,” Adedeji said in a NAN report.

“And we can use the gas. We can power all our vehicles with the gas at a cheaper and one third of the cost.

“We will not have been spending any foreign exchange, and we will have created all kinds of jobs and opportunities.”

Adedeji, represented by Toyin Subair, senior special assistant to the president on domestic affairs, said no monopoly would be created in executing the CNG project across the country.

He said within the next three to five years, Nigeria would be saving $3 million to $5 billion that the country was spending on premium motor spirit (PMS), known as petrol, adding that “we will no longer be buying it”.

“We are opening this economy and this part of the sector to everybody in the country. If you are able to set up a conversion centre, we will work with you if you are able to import kits,” he said.

‘FG TO EARN OVER N200BN FROM CNG FOR ONE MILLION CARS’ CONVERSION’ 

On his part, Saidu Alkali, minister of transportation, said studies have shown that the federal government could earn over N200 billion from CNG for every one million cars converted.

The minister said CNG is cleaner, cheaper and available in the country, adding that it could be used in cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, buses, trains and ships.

Alkali, represented by Cynthia Ahkidenor, acting director, department of road transport and mass transit administration, said the ministry of transportation has been having a series of conversations with relevant stakeholders and transport operators.

“This is in order to get them to buy into the conversation of vehicles to dual engine as a one-off expenditure due to cost of energy,” he said.

“The ministry is promoting the rethink compressed natural gas into proper use which is one of the conversation the federal government is involved in as well as being a signatory to the Green House Emission.

“And we have committed to reducing gas from 40 to 60 percent emission by 2060.”

Last week, the P-CNGi had inaugurated a CNG vehicle pilot conversion centre in Lagos.

To learn more about CNG, you can read TheCable’s explainer on CNG vehicles here.