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As part of its efforts to reduce the nation’s dependence on petrol and diesel, the federal government has been working to increase the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The distribution of 1,200 conversion kits to five states is the latest development in this ongoing initiative to create a more environmentally friendly fuel landscape.
According to Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Director/CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, the government is committed to expanding the use of CNG in vehicles nationwide. Speaking in Abuja, Oluwagbemi emphasized the administration’s goal of decreasing Nigeria’s reliance on petrol and diesel for transportation.
Oluwagbemi emphasized the economic strain of Nigeria’s petrol and diesel habit, citing the whopping $6 to $8 billion annual subsidy expenditure. This substantial financial outlay, he argued, underscores the urgent need for alternative energy solutions.
“The worrying thing is that the bulk of this money is borrowed,” he stated.
By the end of 2024, Oluwagbemi aims to have at least 18,000 vehicles running on CNG, with a significant boost expected in the first quarter of 2025 when an additional 250,000 conversion kits are scheduled to arrive. This influx of kits will help drive Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
“We are expecting additional 12,000 kits in the next 30 days, which I believe will enable us to be able to get 18,000 conversions done by the end of this year, which will be on track to achieve the 21,000 target.
Read also: Abia To Launch CNG Buses, Inaugurates Eco-Friendly Plant
“We expect additional 100,000 to 250,000 kits before the end of first quarter next year. That will then enable us hit our goal of 150,000 directly enabled conversions next year.
”In terms of conversion centres, when we started out there were only seven conversion centres in Nigeria, our target initially was to have 100 of them set up this year, but I’m pleased to announce to you that today we have over 130 conversion centres in the country as a result of our work.
He anticipated that an additional 120 units would be added before the year’s end, totaling 250. He noted that his team has been experiencing a high volume of daily requests from businesspeople and entrepreneurs, who are seeking templates and guidance on establishing conversion centers, and they are providing ongoing support.
