The Mass Transit Conversion Program, a joint effort between the PCNGI and Rolling Energy, has been officially launched to promote the use of compressed Natural Gas in public transportation on a national scale. On May 29, 2024, during the unveiling of the conversion and refuelling site in Ilorin, the announcement was officially declared at the PCNGI launch event. The PCNGI released a declaration outlining its goal to transform public transport vehicles to use more environmentally friendly energy options, resulting in a notable decrease in Emissions and the advancement of ecological practices.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has launched the PCNGI program, which focuses on advocating for clean energy initiatives throughout Nigeria. By collaborating with strategic partners and implementing creative projects, the goal of PCNGI is to minimize environmental harm and facilitate the shift towards Sustainable Energy in the transportation industry. Launching the first stage of the conversion program will take place in Lagos, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Rivers States. Collaboration with key transportation unions such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) will be essential for the successful implementation of this phase.
This initiative is likely to expand operations to 15 states in 45 days.
In order to guarantee the program’s prosperity, PCNGI announced that it will start implementing the initiative at eight out of the 120 designated conversion workshop sites. Following this, the main union partners will be able to witness and assess the conversion process, offering important feedback. The initiative is expected to expand its operations to 15 states within the next 45 days. It was announced that the launch will be supported by a 50% reduction in expenses for equipment and gear, along with financial assistance for the set-up costs of eligible union members.
More so, PCNGI and Rolling Energy have declared their dedication to steering Nigeria towards a more sustainable future. The setting up of the Ilorin facility and the initiation of the conversion program across the country are crucial actions aimed at decreasing the country’s carbon emissions and improving the effectiveness of public transportation networks. Those curious about Renewable Energy solutions can explore Femadec, FixIt45, and Portland in Lagos, NITT, Nipco in Abuja, Total Support and Femadec in Abuja, and Rolling Energy in Ilorin for assistance with converting to Alternative Energy sources.
FG has planned to host a total of 100 conversion workshops.
After announcing plans to introduce 2,700 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and tricycles, the Presidency is now taking steps to implement the initiative before President Tinubu’s first year in office, which ended on May 29. FG has planned to host a total of 100 conversion workshops and establish 60 refuelling locations in 18 states by the conclusion of 2024. The Presidential CNG Initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s relief efforts, aims to help alleviate the struggles faced by the public due to the removal of Fuel Subsidies by the Nigerian Federal Government.
Following the elimination of the PMS subsidy and the complete deregulation of the Petroleum market, the cost of PMS has seen a notable rise across the country. This has underscored the importance of exploring alternative fuel options such as CNG and electric vehicles (EVs) for transportation needs. The program is not a trial run; instead, it is the first step in promoting the use of CNG for transportation in accordance with the existing national transportation policy.
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It aims to implement CNG usage from start to finish to cut down on expenses and decrease carbon footprints. The main goal is to lower and control transportation expenses for Nigerians through the use of a more affordable gas option that is plentiful yet not fully utilized in the country. Another primary goal is to provide a more environmentally friendly substitute for PMS and Diesel fuel in the transportation sector, thereby fulfilling Nigeria’s National Determined Contributions obligations and also utilizing a valuable resource that is currently being wasted through flaring.