The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has launched a comprehensive program to slash transport costs while empowering thousands of Nigerian youths.
This initiative kicked off today with the Transport Fare Drop Programme in Abuja, marking the beginning of a nationwide effort to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative.
In a significant development, PCNGI representatives inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
This agreement covers the route from Abuja to Itakpe Station—Ajaokuta Train Station—Adavi, focusing on converting fleet vehicles to CNG. In return, commuters can expect a substantial 30-40% reduction in fares.
“This programme will encourage NURTW members in Abuja to convert their vehicles to CNG in exchange for a fare reduction,” a PCNGI spokesperson stated, highlighting the program’s dual benefits of environmental sustainability and economic relief.
The initiative is set to expand with a nationwide commercial incentive programme for “commercial car open days,” reaching 38 centers across Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, and Edo states by Saturday, September 28th, 2024.
Further extending its reach, the PCNGI will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on Monday, September 30th, to operationalise the Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme. This partnership aims to train police cadets to manage strategic conversion centers, with the NPTF making significant investments in these facilities.
“This initiative will help train the police cadets to manage strategic conversion centres established by the NPTF,” affirmed Michael Oluwagbemi, PCNGi’s Programme Director.
Celebrating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1st, 2024, the PCNGI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youths, will unveil the CNG Tricycle Empowerment Program. This initiative is set to empower over 2000 young Nigerians, providing them with the opportunity to own and operate CNG-powered tricycles.
Continuing its momentum, the PCNGI will launch the Kogi State Conversion Incentive Programme on Wednesday, October 2nd. This will include the handover of CNG buses to the state’s mass transit entity, facilitating interstate routes to Abuja, and the inauguration of three new CNG conversion sites.
The week will culminate in Ekiti State, where the PCNGI will hand over CNG buses to the state mass transit organisation for routes to Abuja and inaugurate four new CNG conversion sites.
This series of strategic initiatives by the PCNGI showcases a profound commitment to fostering economic empowerment and environmental sustainability across Nigeria, paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future.
