Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s first year milestone in office, the Presidency has announced plans to launch approximately 2,700 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses and tricycles by May 29, signaling a significant step towards energy transition in Nigeria’s transportation sector. The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, aims to deliver not only cheaper and safer transit options but also environmental benefits.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, unveiled the ambitious rollout, highlighting the imminent delivery of conversion workshops and refueling sites across 18 states before the year’s end. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to introduce CNG as a viable alternative fuel source, with projections indicating the potential for a substantial reduction in petrol prices.
The initiative, launched in October 2023, received a budget allocation of N100bn from the palliative fund to procure 5,500 CNG vehicles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 conversion kits. President Tinubu’s vision, aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs on the populace, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions.
Onanuga emphasized the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, with several assembly plants, including JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV, gearing up for production. These plants, strategically located across the country, are poised to assemble semi-knocked-down components, enabling rapid deployment of CNG vehicles nationwide.
Moreover, tax and duty waivers approved by President Tinubu have incentivized private sector investments, totaling over $50m, in refueling stations and conversion centers. Safety measures have been paramount, with stringent regulations ensuring the reliability and security of CNG conversions.
As part of the initiative’s expansion, plans are underway to offer subsidised conversion kits to petrol-powered vehicles, particularly targeting commercial drivers. Companies like NIPCO and BOVAS are playing integral roles in establishing refueling stations and conversion centers, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to CNG propulsion.
The impending launch of CNG-powered vehicles signifies a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s energy transition journey, marking a decisive step towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable mobility. As the nation inches closer to the envisioned future of cleaner and more affordable transportation, the Presidency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration remains steadfast.
