The federal government has initiated a project to convert vehicles from petrol to gas, aiming to reduce petrol demand and ultimately lower transportation costs. The launch event took place in Benin City and was simultaneously conducted in five other states as part of President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to address the rising petrol prices.
Tosin Coker, Head of Commercial for the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), stated that the project aims to convert one million vehicles nationwide at no cost to the owners. The initiative seeks to alleviate the burden of increasing petrol prices and make transportation more affordable for the public.
Coker explained that the conversion process would be free, including the cost of conversion, and encouraged commercial vehicles to participate. The project includes incentives for commercial vehicles and involves partnerships with various transport associations.
The President’s steering committee, formed about a year ago, focuses on incentivizing the project, enabling financing infrastructure, and regulating the new scheme. Financing support has been arranged for individuals, companies, and civil servants interested in investing in this initiative.
To ensure safety and compliance, the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System has been established, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Automobile Development and Design Council (NADDC), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), and the National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This system aims to track and regulate gas conversions, ensuring all vehicles and conversion centers comply with safety standards.
Coker highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a gas-producing nation, emphasizing the need to reduce gas flaring, which has made the country the second-largest waster of gas after Russia. He called for support from state governments and stakeholders, citing Edo State’s ongoing efforts to promote alternative fuels.