The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) yesterday launched a Transport Fare Drop Programme aimed at reducing transportation costs across the country.
The programme, which commenced in Abuja, involves a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to convert fleet vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), resulting in a 30-40% fare reduction.
In a statement, PCNGI’s Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the initiative would promote the adoption of CNG as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to fuel.
As part of its nationwide rollout, the PCNGI will expand to 38 centres in seven states, including Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo, on 28 September.
Additionally, the PCNGI will sign an agreement with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on 30 September to operationalise the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme and train police cadets to manage strategic conversion centres.
“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) commenced today a Transport Fare Drop Programme across the country, starting with Abuja, as it ramped up the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to fuel.
“Representatives of the PCNGi signed an MOU with the National Union of Road Transport Workers covering the Abuja to Itakpe Station—Ajaokuta Train Station—Adavi route to convert fleet vehicles to CNG in return for a 30-40% fare reduction.
“This programme will encourage NURTW members in Abuja to convert their vehicles to CNG in exchange for a fare reduction.
“On Saturday, 28th September 2024, the PCNGi will continue its nationwide commercial incentive programme for commercial car open days, expanding to 38 centres in Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo states.
“The PCNGi will sign an agreement with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on Monday, September 30th, to operationalise the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme and train cadets to manage the strategic conversion centres the NPTF is investing in.
“According to the PCNGi’s Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, this initiative will help train the police cadets to manage strategic conversion centres established by the NPTF”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary on 1 October, the PCNGI will launch the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Program, providing over 2000 young Nigerians with CNG-powered tricycles.
The initiative will also launch in Kogi and Ekiti states, with the handover of CNG buses to the states’ mass transit entities and the inauguration of new CNG conversion sites.
The PCNGI’s programme is expected to reduce transportation costs, promote economic growth, and provide employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
“Similarly, to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th anniversary of independence on 1st October 2024, the PCNGi will launch the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Youths.
“This program aims to provide over 2,000 young Nigerians with the opportunity to own and operate CNG-powered tricycles.
“The PCNGi will launch the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Programme on Wednesday, October 2nd, and hand over CNG buses to the state’s mass transit entity to ply interstate routes to Abuja.
“Additionally, the PCNGI will inaugurate three new CNG conversion sites in the state.
“To conclude the week’s activities, the PCNGI will launch in Ekiti State, where the handover of CNG buses to the state mass transit organisation to ply the route to Abuja will take place. It will also inaugurate four new CNG conversion sites in the state”, the statement said.
