530 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses will be introduced to six states as the first step in the implementation of the President’s CNG Initiative (PCNGi) by May ending. The Federal Government has announced this deployment plan. The President’s media centre released information on the official X platform regarding the upcoming launch of the Presidential CNG Initiative nationwide, outlining the planned activities for the event. The stakeholder event is set to take place on various dates spanning between May 15 and May 29 in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country, as outlined in the schedule.
The gathering for the southern regions of South-South and South-East was scheduled to take place in Port-Harcourt on May 18, 2024. The inspection of the Kojo Factory at the Enugu-Onitsha site will occur between May 24 and May 31. By the conclusion of the month, a total of 530 buses will be put into use across six leading states as the @PCNGInitiative commences its complete rollout. The opening of the affiliate conversion and refuelling centre in Port Harcourt, known as the South-South area, at the FEMADEC site was accompanied by an inspection tour of the Total Energies Support Mother Station for Auto CNG in Uyo.
PCNG Initiative is in response to the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Furthermore, a series of events will take place in each of the six geopolitical zones leading up to the initiation of the conversion incentive initiative in Abuja, followed by the opening of the refuelling station in Ilorin by the Governor of Kwara State on May 29, 2024. The event will be a press conference in Abuja to announce the launch of the Conversion Incentive Program, followed by the commissioning of the Ilorin Refuelling and Conversion Centre by the Chairman of the Governors Forum.
On May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced the Presidential CNG Initiative in response to the removal of the fuel subsidy. This initiative, launched in October of the same year, aims to provide cost-effective, secure, and Eco-friendly energy alternatives following the significant 200% surge in petrol prices. Before President Tinubu’s administration reached its one-year anniversary, the government announced the introduction of a new initiative promoting the use of CNG vehicles. The main focus of the program is to increase the availability of compressed natural gas (CNG) for public transportation.
CNG is a cleaner alternative to petrol, diesel, and LPG.
In order to help offset the effects of increasing fuel costs on the population, the government has set aside ₦100 billion from a ₦500 billion budget for purchasing 100 electric buses, 5,500 CNG vehicles (including buses and tricycles), and more than 20,000 CNG conversion kits. Additionally, this funding will be used to promote the establishment of CNG refilling and electric charging stations. Furthermore, more than $50 million in Private Sector investments have been allocated towards refuelling stations, 100 electric buses, mother stations and 100 electric buses.
Additionally, CNG is a type of fuel made up mostly of methane that is compressed to a tiny fraction of its original volume. It is kept in durable containers at a high pressure of 20-25 megapascals, typically in cylindrical or spherical forms for storage and distribution. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cleaner alternative to petrol, diesel, and liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) in vehicles. It can be used in modified petrol vehicles, vehicles made for CNG use alone (dedicated), vehicles with a dual fuel system, or vehicles that are bi-fuel.
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Also, compared to traditional fuels, CNG combustion results in a lower emission of harmful gases. When spilled, natural gas is less dangerous than other fuels due to its lightness and quick dispersal. Biomethane, produced from anaerobic digestion or landfill gas, is a viable alternative for use. CNG has become a popular alternative fuel for a variety of vehicles including auto rickshaws, pickup trucks, buses, and trains due to rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness.
