The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) team, led by Executive Chairman Barr. Ismael Ahmed and Program Director, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, today engaged with media executives in Lagos, outlining the nation’s strategic shift towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a sustainable alternative to petrol. The initiative, born from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech decision to remove fuel subsidy, aims to bring tangible relief to millions of Nigerians.
The team emphasized that Nigeria is fundamentally a gas country, possessing “over 45% of Africa’s proven gas resources, amounting to 208 trillion cubic feet, enough to last 99 years, with unproven estimates reaching 350 trillion cubic feet”. This contrasts with the long-held belief of Nigeria being primarily an oil-rich nation.
According to them, President Bola Tinubu’s vision is not just to be remembered for removing petrol subsidy, but for also providing a sustainable alternative.
Engr. Oluwagbemi detailed the PCNGI’s significant strides in just 12 months. The highlights include:
* Over 300 new CNG conversion centers established nationwide, a dramatic increase from just seven previously.
* Expansion from 5 states to 20 states across all six regions benefiting from PCNGI initiatives.
* Distribution of 5,950 EV or CNG platforms, including buses and tricycles, often through labor unions as part of agreements following fuel subsidy removal.
* Training of 5,500 conversion technicians, with plans to train 25,000 roadside mechanics.
* Mobilization of over $980 million in private sector investment, including a significant N725 billion investment by Dangote Industries, validating the private sector-led approach.
* Initiatives to promote local manufacturing of vehicles and components, working with Nigerian auto manufacturing companies like Innoson, Peugeot, and Nord Motors.
According to him, the PCNGI’s mandate is built on three crucial “As”: Acceptability, Accessibility, and Affordability. He described CNG as being far safer, cleaner, and more sustainable than traditional fuels, with the potential to ‘reduce transportation costs by 80-90%’.
The Program Director highlighted the story of an Uber driver whose daily earnings significantly increased after converting to CNG, demonstrating the immediate positive impact on livelihoods. The ultimate goal is to convert “one million vehicles by 2027”, which is projected to create “75,000 direct and 300,000 indirect jobs”.
