NADDC rallies Nigerians as FG begins nationwide distribution of CNG conversion kits

The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide to fast-track the change of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to use CNG. The Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), Micheal Oluwagbemi, disclosed this during an inspection tour and distribution of the kits to six CNG conversion centres in Abuja.

Oluwagbemi said President Bola Tinubu’s CNG initiative would provide Nigerians with cheaper and cleaner vehicle fueling alternatives. “The President has assured that we are making one million conversion kits available for free for the commercial sector or at reasonable discounts for private vehicles. This is to enable transportation fares to be moderated across the country over the next couple of years.”

He added that the Federal Government had signed up with over 75 conversion partners officially in eight states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, FCT, and Kaduna.

This is as the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, has concluded a two-day programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with career prospects in the automotive sector.

Speaking at the event held in Abuja, Director General, NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, described CNG as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to petrol.

Under the arrangement, the PCNGi will facilitate the provision of free training kits, supported by a partnership with various government agencies including NASENI and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), as well as private sector entities such as the Bank of Industry.

Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, Titilope Gbadamosi, emphasised the economic advantages of CNG, particularly in reducing transportation costs and creating job opportunities within the conversion value chain. She announced that training programs across various states will begin next week, focusing on CNG vehicle conversion.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, called for enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private firms to fully explore CNG’s potential.

CIG Motors Nigeria, represented by General Manager Manyo Pan, also supported the initiative by giving away an electric vehicle to one of the participants of the event.

Pan highlighted CIG Motors’ role as a key player in the CNG conversion industry and their commitment to developing the next generation of experts, which will see the firm sponsor 25 students from Yaba College of Technology for an 18-month program in China. Upon completion, the students will return to Nigeria to train others, further expanding the skills base in the automotive sector.