Richard Ginika Izuora
The Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi) marked a historic moment at the weekend with commissioning of a P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centre in Lagos.
The Chief Executive Officer, P-CNGi, Engineer Micheal Oluwagbemi, described it as
a significant step towards a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria as it carries immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices.
The commissioning of the first of Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres is a historic occasion, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the P-CNGi initiative, Oluwagbemi, said.
The initiative, aptly themed “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” represents Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.
Oluwagbemi, said, “Today, as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and more affordable future. We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time.”
The P-CNGi Conversion Centre is not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also a beacon of hope for its citizens- creating jobs and greener opportunities. More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation especially mass transit for poor Nigerians.
This works by collaborating with private sector to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from 7 to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better.
By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world. This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.
The conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy; it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. This endeavor aligns with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefitting the people of Nigeria.
In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement. The initiative’s program director aptly noted, “Challenges will emerge, but with our unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts, we are poised to overcome them.”