- CNG, according to Ekpo, is a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuels
- The CNG initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, aimed at providing an alternative to petrol and diesel, will offer significant benefits in the long run. This statement was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the launch of the Rideshare Conversion Incentive Programme and the MyCNG app at the Portland/NASENI Centre in Abuja on Friday.
The ministers highlighted that the CNG initiative not only demonstrates the government’s commitment to making transportation more accessible and affordable for citizens but also provides a cleaner, more environmentally friendly fuel alternative. The initiative is expected to create job opportunities and technical skill development for Nigeria’s youth population.
Minister Ekpo emphasized the importance of the rideshare sector in Nigeria’s urban transportation system, stating that the CNG initiative will allow the country to capitalize on its abundant natural gas reserves, thereby reinforcing its position as a key player in the global energy landscape.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to providing accessible and affordable transportation for our people. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural gas reserves, positioning us as a key player in the global energy landscape,” Ekpo said. He further noted that the CNG Conversion Incentive Programme, along with the MyCNG app, will help reduce the financial burden on drivers by offering a 50% discount on conversion costs, which in turn will lower transportation costs for users.
CNG, according to Ekpo, is a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuels, aligning with Nigeria’s national objectives to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to global climate change efforts. “By transitioning to CNG, we are taking decisive steps towards a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria,” he added.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), echoed Ekpo’s sentiments. He pointed out that CNG offers a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, providing relief to Nigerians through accessible transportation and job creation, particularly for the youth.
“CNG will bring relief to lives and livelihoods by making gas available to people and machines. It will provide jobs and technical skills to Nigerians, especially the youth. This is indeed another journey towards development and the future. The future is gas,” Idris said.
The Programme Director and CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, emphasized that the adoption of CNG would have widespread benefits, boosting Nigeria’s economy and improving the lives of its citizens. He highlighted the significant role of the transportation sector in the economy and how CNG could transform the rideshare industry by reducing costs for drivers and passengers alike.
“CNG for the rideshare industry will mean that the average player of Uber, Bolt, InRide, or LagRide, as the case may be, will reduce drastically in our urban centers. CNG is not just a revolution; it is about looking inward for the first time in a long time to use the resources God has blessed us with,” Oluwagbemi stated.
Several other industry leaders and stakeholders, including the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and representatives from Bolt and Uber, praised the initiative, describing it as a win-win situation that will drive technological transformation, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to climate action and poverty alleviation.
The CNG initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector, offering a cleaner, cheaper alternative to traditional fuels while providing economic and environmental benefits to the country.