The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has teamed up with Rolling Energy to convert 100,000 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within 18 months. The initiative aims to lower costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while advancing Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy sources.
Speaking at the launch of a CNG Conversion and Training Centre in Abuja, SMEDAN’s Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, described the project as a strategic move to support SMEs amid changing energy demands. The center, capable of converting nine vehicles daily, also trains young Nigerians in CNG conversion, maintenance, and repair, creating new economic opportunities.
“This project aligns with SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, providing SMEs with guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce support,” Odii stated. He emphasized that adopting CNG helps businesses cut costs, particularly in the wake of rising fuel expenses following subsidy removal.
Under the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), Nigeria plans to convert one million vehicles to CNG within a year. SMEDAN has committed to handling 10% of that target through its centers.
Highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of CNG, Toyin Zubair, Executive Vice Chairman of Pi-CNG, underscored Nigeria’s vast gas reserves and the potential to power vehicles and industries affordably. Rolling Energy CEO, Mubarak Danbatta, added that fueling a vehicle with CNG costs under N4,000 compared to over N60,000 for petrol, offering significant relief to SMEs.
The initiative positions SMEs at the forefront of Nigeria’s energy transition while fostering skills development and sustainable economic growth.
