FG initiates free CNG conversion for commercial vehicles

The Federal Government has kickstarted a program offering free conversion of petrol and diesel-powered commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a means to decrease transportation costs nationwide. The initiative, which began in Abuja and Lagos, aims to cut transportation expenses by over 40% by encouraging commercial transport owners to bring their vehicles for conversion.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in collaboration with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, supervised the launch of the program. The government had previously announced that the conversion would be free, following agreements with companies specialized in CNG vehicle conversions.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, disclosed that over a million cars are targeted for conversion within the first year. E-hailing cabs will pay a fraction of the conversion costs, while transport associations will benefit from full conversion and free kits.

Transporters are urged to seize this opportunity, noting significant cost savings on fuel expenses. As more vehicles convert to CNG, the overall transportation cost is expected to decrease nationwide.