The Federal Government has upgraded the status of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria as a centre for converting petrol-based vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), saying that the decision will ease the challenges facing the new transportation drive in the country.

Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, who was in Kaduna on Tuesday to declare open the Management Retreat of NITT, said that in line with this commitment to innovation and sustainability, and with the challenges that came with the recent removal of the petrol subsidy, NITT is now a centre for converting petrol-based vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

According to him, the Institute has engaged with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) and has also developed and commissioned conversion centres in Abuja and Zaria, with work underway in several other states.

He said: “This strategic move aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and the changing landscape of transportation in Nigeria and indeed globally,” pointing out that the federal government considered it necessary to charge the NITT to commission the CNG conversion centres in the 36 states of the federation.

The minister said that implementing the Performance Management System (PMS) will not be without its challenges, as change is never easy.

He added, “I am, however, confident that with your dedication and expertise, we can create a system that is fair, transparent, and effective. The future of transportation in Nigeria will, to a large extent, depend on some of the decisions we make and the actions we take during and after this retreat.”

Alkali commended the management of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, for organising the retreat aimed at repositioning the Institute to be at the forefront of transportation education and research in Nigeria.

He remarked: “As you are well aware, the transport sector is a critical enabler of our economy. It connects people, facilitates trade, and drives national development. However, to realise its full potential as a nation, we must embrace a robust Performance Management System (PMS) that aligns with our vision for a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure.

“As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, it is imperative that we take a hard look at where we are and where we need to be. The transport industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven largely by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviours, and global economic shifts. It is our responsibility, therefore, to ensure that NITT not only keeps pace with these changes but also leads the way in shaping the future of transportation in Nigeria and beyond.

“Let me reiterate that the implementation of a Performance Management System (PMS) is not just a bureaucratic exercise; it is also a crucial strategic necessity. PMS will provide us with the tools to measure our progress, identify areas for improvement, and recognize excellence within our ranks. It will also help us align individual and departmental goals with the lofty vision of NITT and the Ministry of Transportation, ensuring that every member of our team is rowing in the same direction.

“The dynamics of the transport industry demand nothing less than our full commitment to excellence. We are witnessing the rise of electric vehicles, the potential of autonomous transportation, and the increasing importance of sustainable and green transport solutions. NITT must be at the forefront of some of these developments, not just observing but actively contributing to their advancement in the Nigerian context.”

Meanwhile, in his address, the Director-General of NITT, Dr. Bayero Farah, said that “this retreat is a follow-up to the previous retreat conducted in 2019 designed to reposition the Institute to face the ever-changing transportation challenges of the country.”

He explained that tremendous successes were achieved after the previous retreat that improved the Institute’s visibility and commitment to achieving its objectives.

Among others, he said that the previous retreat had facilitated “the transition to alternative transportation fuel, especially in CNG,” adding, “It will interest you to note that today we are unveiling the Conversion and Training E-booking System Portal that will enable seamless customer services.”