The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious target to have one million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles on Nigerian roads by 2027, offering a sustainable alternative to petrol. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote eco-friendly transportation and create new employment opportunities for over 50,000 people.
During a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the program director, Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, revealed the government’s plan to establish 1000 conversion workshops across the country. These workshops will play a crucial role in facilitating the conversion of existing vehicles to CNG, supporting the nation’s transition towards greener energy solutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling for the immediate availability of 55,000 conversion kits to kickstart the CNG revolution. The government aims to achieve this within the specified timeframe, laying the foundation for a more sustainable transportation landscape.
While there are currently only seven functional workshops in the country, partnerships with organizations like the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology will lead to the establishment of additional workshops. This collaborative effort will help bridge the gap and accelerate the conversion of vehicles to CNG.
The ultimate goal is to have one million CNG vehicles on Nigerian roads by 2027, resulting in significant cost savings of about 20 billion dollars over ten years. Additionally, this transition will contribute to the management of transport inflation and the creation of thousands of new jobs in the emerging CNG ecosystem.
By embracing this initiative, MSMEs in the transportation sector can tap into the potential of CNG technology, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Nigeria.