The Ogun State Government said it is partnering with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on the training of stakeholders and technical staff of the Ministries of Environment and Transportation, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA); Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO) and Fire and Safety Officers on the conversion of PMS Vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.

This is a follow-up to the state’s adoption of CNG buses and E-bike into its transportation system, which is in tandem with the Presidential Initiative (Pi-CNG) on energy transition to cleaner and alternative fuel.

Speaking at a workshop on Thursday, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the conversion of vehicles to CNG will not only lower the cost of transportation, it will also reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

For his transportation counterpart, Engr Gbenga Dairo, said the present administration in the state is committed to supporting the laudable initiative, adding that adequate enforcement and regulations must, however, be adhered to for a safer environment.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso, represented by the Director of Laboratory Services, David Ikhebome, and Managing Director of Safety Plus, Mrs. Omolara Odebunmi, expressed their organisation’s determination to ensure improvement on the quality of CNG products, underscoring the need for continuous training of stakeholders and technical staffs on CNG safety precautions and its usage with different vehicles.

The ministry said with the partnership and training, the state is determined more than ever before to consolidate its pioneering role of institutionalising safety procedures for CNG vehicles retrofit (re-kitting) and leading the way in the use of CNG-powered trucks and electric tricycles nationally for public transportation.