The Nigerian government has distributed 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and cylinders as part of efforts to ease the rising cost of fuel and improve transportation. Of the total, 450 units were allocated to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kaduna State, while 550 units went to Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun States.
The distribution, which took place at a warehouse in Lagos, was overseen by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI). Moses Onate, representing the P-CNGI, explained that the initiative aims to alleviate the impact of fuel price hikes and promote more affordable transportation across the country.
Onate emphasised the significance of the programme, noting that the conversion kits and cylinders would bring relief to transporters, who will benefit from reduced gas prices. “In the long term, Nigerians will enjoy cheaper gas prices. If things go as planned, it will greatly benefit citizens, with gas prices set between N230 and N300 per kilogram,” Onate stated. He added that Lagos alone has over ten conversion centres to facilitate the switch to CNG.
Addressing concerns over the removal of fuel subsidies, Onate highlighted that the initiative targets commercial vehicles, which make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s transport sector.
The Presidential CNG initiative, launched several months ago, initially aimed to distribute 30,000 CNG conversion kits within 90 days. This effort was extended to commercial bus operators in the southwest region after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged to provide 36 CNG buses, each with a 100-seat capacity, to support workers and mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.