From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Federal Government on Friday launched the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP) of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Ogun State.
The programme under the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi) was put in place to convert vehicles using petrol to gas following the removal of fuel subsidy last year.
Speaking during the official launch of the programme and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with CNG conversion centers in Ogun State, the Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the programme is aimed at converting one million vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for free.
He commended Ogun State for being a pioneer in adopting CNG for transportation.
Oluwagbemi added that the programme would partner with conversion centres, with four already signed up in Ogun State.
He explained that the centres would receive conversion kits purchased by the Federal Ministry of Finance for free, adding that members of NURTW, NARTO, RTEAN and other transport unions will be nominated to have their vehicles converted at no cost.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Energy, Jide Onakoya, said the programme would be a game-changer for Ogun State, enabling citizens to switch from expensive petrol and diesel to cheaper gas.
He added that conversion to CNG would reduce pollution, enhance commerce, and improve transportation.