The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), in collaboration with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has launched a vehicle conversion centre at Mile 2 Motor Park in Lagos. The facility is the first of its kind to be located directly within a commercial transport hub.
The initiative, unveiled on Friday, marks a step in the federal government’s push to increase the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a transport fuel. It also forms part of a broader strategy to reduce transport costs and build technical capacity across the country.
“This is the first conversion centre located right in a motor park. This model will be replicated in all local governments across Lagos,” said Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Project Director of PCNGi. “Our goal is simple—to make CNG conversion accessible to every commercial vehicle operator.”
Oluwagbemi explained that vehicle operators who convert to CNG could reduce fuel costs by up to 90 per cent. “These savings can then be passed on to commuters through reduced fares, supporting the president’s Renewed Hope agenda to make life easier for Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that PCNGi has expanded its reach from just seven conversion centres at inception to 193 centres nationwide, all developed through private sector partnerships and without direct government funding.
To support the initiative, PCNGi is also rolling out a free Basic Awareness Training programme across all 36 states and the FCT. Oluwagbemi said those who wish to pursue deeper technical knowledge will have access to training in areas such as mechanical systems, piping, and electrical installation, with tuition support available.
“These centres will not only convert vehicles but also serve as training hubs, offering stipends to trainees,” he said, noting that all accredited centres are integrated into the national Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET) programme.
As part of the wider energy transition plan, Oluwagbemi said over 100 new gas stations are under construction with support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Bovas, Nipco, Greenville, and others. He confirmed the recent launch of the first university-based refuelling station at the University of Abuja and projected the establishment of 175 stations before the end of the year.
In Lagos, eight additional CNG stations are planned through a partnership with Ibile Oil and Gas, aimed at supporting buses operated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and other public commuters.
Comrade Usman O. Teslim, Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the NURTW, welcomed the initiative, stating that it offers practical benefits to operators. “Operators can now convert their vehicles without leaving their work environment. Within three to four hours, a vehicle can be converted right here in the park,” he said.
Teslim added that the impact is already visible. “Transport fares have been slashed by up to 50 per cent on CNG-powered buses from the PCNGi brand. This is a tangible benefit for the everyday Nigerian, and we are happy to be part of this development.”
He urged commuters in Lagos to support the programme and take advantage of the reduced fares, expressing the union’s continued commitment to promoting cleaner and more affordable transport.
The partnership between PCNGi and NURTW aims to expand CNG use in public transportation while creating job opportunities through skills training and local engagement.
