Ini Billie, Uyo
The Federal Government has offered to convert commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for free in Akwa Ibom State.
The government said it would make kits and cylinders available to all commercial vehicles through accredited conversion centres in the state.
Speaking during the unveiling of the Conversion Incentive Programme at Nsik Motors Terminal in Uyo at the weekend, Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi said it was a significant step towards diversifying the transportation sector and reducing oil dependency in the state.
Oluwagbemi, represented by the Head of Commercials, Mr Tosin Coker, stated that the initiative would mitigate the financial burden caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
He explained that the inauguration was a pilot project designed to bring about a new benchmark for CNG vehicle conversion and training in the state.
“The Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi) is part of the relief measures by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to assist Nigerians facing the challenges following the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The inauguration today will bring a new benchmark for CNG conversion and training in Akwa Ibom State.
“What the government is doing through the P-CNGi is making available this conversion to all commercial transporters, and commercial vehicles for free.
“So Mr President has directed and this government will make the kits, cylinder available to all commercial vehicles through accredited conversion centres and the conversion will be done free of charge,” he stated.
The CNGi President called on transport unions across the states and local entities to support the Initiative for cleaner, safer, and more reliable modes of transport.
Speaking earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Nsik Oil and Gas Limited, Mr Nsikan Johnny, applauded the federal government for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to see vehicle conversion to CNG as a big relief to lessen the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Johnny announced that the Compressed Natural Gas Mother Station will soon be commissioned in Esit Eket Local Government Area.
He pledged his commitment to promoting clean energy based on sustainability and integrity.
“We shall commence training of indigenes of our state here immediately, and as partners of the PCNGI, we shall consolidate our value chain infrastructure in the gas industry to drive this initiative
“As a focused player in the industry, our immediate strategy is to provide relief to Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians in general, as we aim to establish three mobile dispensers within the next six months and utilise mobile systems to transport CNG to power vehicles in the meantime that will enhance operations, which will evolve into mother-and-daughter stations across the state,” he said.
In his message of goodwill, State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Orman Esin, who was represented by the Director of Transport, Mr Akpanonong said the state government was delighted to have Presidential CNG Initiative, saying it would be a successful energy transition for the people of the state.