The Federal Government has officially unveiled a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles pilot conversion centre in Lagos State, marking a significant milestone in sustainable energy adoption. The project, initiated through the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO of P-CNGi, expressed the importance of this endeavour at the inauguration of the FEMADAC Station on Saturday, stating, “The CNG centre would bring a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria.”
The facility, located at KM 42, Lekki-Epe, is part of the seven CNG conversion centres established across the country by the P-CNGi Steering Committee. As part of this initiative, converted buses were also handed over to the State House in Abuja.
Oluwagbemi emphasised the broader implications of this initiative, stating, “Today, 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 more affordable future. We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time.”
The initiative, under the theme “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” reflects Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. It not only symbolises environmental responsibility but also offers hope for citizens through job creation and economic opportunities.
Oluwagbemi highlighted the ambitious plan, revealing, “More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Programme designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians.” The collaboration with the private sector aims to expand the conversion centre network, create over 2,000 jobs, and transition vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel for a more cost-effective, cleaner, and more efficient transportation system.
Embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology addresses the challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which are increasingly critical in today’s world. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.
The conversion of vehicles to CNG not only promotes cleaner energy but also pledges to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. This inauguration aligns with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefiting the people of Nigeria. As Oluwagbemi asserted, “In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement.”
