The Presidency announced its readiness to introduce approximately 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles by May 29, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s one-year anniversary in office. According to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government aims to establish 100 conversion workshops and 60 refueling sites across 18 states by the end of 2024.
The initiative, known as the Presidential CNG Initiative, was launched by President Tinubu in October 2023, shortly after the removal of the petrol subsidy. It aims to provide cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy, particularly for mass transit. The government allocated N100 billion from the N500 billion palliative budget for the purchase of 5,500 CNG vehicles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. This initiative is expected to alleviate the financial burden on the masses caused by the increased pump price.
To support this initiative, a new plant is being established on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for assembling tricycles, while Brilliant EV will assemble electric vehicles. Additionally, four plants owned by JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV are involved in assembling the semi-knocked-down components of CNG buses. These components, manufactured by LUOJIA in partnership with local suppliers, are set to arrive in Nigeria in May.
Collaborating with the private sector, the initiative aims to establish conversion workshops and refueling sites across the country. Companies like NIPCO and BOVAS are involved in offering refueling services and acting as conversion centers. NIPCO plans to set up 32 stations nationwide, while BOVAS plans to establish eight stations in Ibadan, two each in Ekitiand Abuja, and four in Ilorin. MRS is also participating in this endeavor.
The NNPC Limited, which previously initiated CNG projects, is joining the new initiative and will soon announce locations for refueling and conversion centers nationwide. Moreover, the Presidential CNG Initiative is collaborating with 22 other agency partners to develop standards for natural gas vehicle conversion and associated appliances.
For effective monitoring, the Presidential CNG Initiative will launch the MYCNG.NG App, which will include the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring Systems. This app will provide information on CNG conversion and refueling sites in the country.
In conclusion, the success of President Tinubu’svision to deliver one million gas vehicles relies on collaboration with the private sector and various stakeholders in the transportation industry.
