On Wednesday, the Federal Government unveiled a series of activities leading up to the nationwide deployment of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and tricycles, set to replace petrol-powered vehicles on May 29.
During the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, it was mandated that all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) procure only CNG-powered vehicles and generators.
In a statement, Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), announced that the government will engage in an extensive pre-launch itinerary to involve stakeholders and highlight key gas supply projects. This effort aims to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions.
“The PCNGI is embarking on a comprehensive pre-launch schedule aimed at engaging stakeholders, showcasing critical gas supply projects, and facilitating the development of conversion and refuelling infrastructure nationwide,” Oluwagbemi said.
The 15-day itinerary kicks off in Lagos on Wednesday with engagements with South West stakeholders. The Presidential (virtual) commissioning of critical gas supply projects will take place from May 15 to 22 at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited outlets.
On May 16, the team will inspect the Jets and Mikano Factory alongside representatives from the Labour Ministry, labour unions, and the media.
A meeting with South-South and South-East stakeholders is scheduled for May 17 in Port Harcourt, where the launch of affiliate conversion and refuelling will occur at the Femadec Site, followed by an inspection tour of the Total Energies support station.
The Federal Government will then embark on a six-day inspection tour of the Kojo Factory at the Enugu-Onitsha Site starting May 24, to receive the first set of assembled tricycles, buses, cylinders, and kits for the official launch.
Additionally, the nation will witness the commissioning of the ‘Luojia Assembly Plant for CNG tricycles on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on May 30.
“These activities mark significant milestones in our journey towards achieving energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for Nigeria. The PCNGI is committed to fostering collaboration with all stakeholders as we pave the way for a cleaner, greener future,” Oluwagbemi stated.
He added, “These programmes fulfill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to drive Nigeria’s energy transition in the transportation sector by leveraging CNG and enabling economic growth.”