The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) began the inspection, distribution, and installation of CNG kits for commercial motorists in Ogun State on Saturday.
Already, 500 CNG cylinders and kits have been allocated across three centres in the state.
At the Abeokuta conversion centre, Mr Olugboyegba Ademehin, Director of Vehicle Inspection Services at the Ministry of Transportation, emphasized that vehicles must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure they are suitable for conversion.
Once certified, vehicles will receive the necessary kit for the conversion process.
Ademehin detailed that the Ogun Public Works Agency’s Agbeloba Centre would receive 60 CNG cylinders—10 units of 75 litres and 50 units of 65 litres.
The 75-litre cylinders are capable of supporting journeys of up to 150 kilometres. This centre will also facilitate public conversions in the coming months.
Regarding safety, Ademehin assured that the cylinders, which are moulded rather than welded, have a thickness of 60 millimetres and have been certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for their strength and fire resistance.
He also noted that there are currently two CNG filling stations in Abeokuta.
Ademehin remarked, “In Ogun State, through the governor’s initiative, we began conversions earlier because we prioritize a cleaner environment. That is why we have CNG buses operating in the city. With the rising cost of petrol, CNG offers a cheaper and more cost-effective alternative for motorists, easing transportation costs for the masses.”
The Operations Manager at Nigerian Gas and Transport Solutions Ltd., Mr. Ali Manager, highlighted that Nigeria’s gas industry remains underutilized.
He expressed optimism that the CNG initiative would help the country better harness its natural gas resources.
While Nigeria is rich in natural gas, it has yet to fully exploit this potential to meet the needs of its citizens.
The manager noted that CNG would provide cost-effective services for the transport sector.
The Chairman of the National Union of Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ogun, Ismail Adewale, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.
He acknowledged the business slowdown due to rising petrol and diesel costs but expressed hope for improvement as CNG usage increases, which he believes will lead to reduced transportation costs.
