The Federal Government launched the first phase of the free conversion of petrol-powered commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) on Saturday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This initiative marks a significant step in the government’s broader plan to promote cleaner energy and reduce transportation costs for vehicle owners.
In this initial phase, approximately 100 commercial vehicles were successfully converted from running on petrol to CNG at three different locations across Ibadan. The conversion sites included the Mobil filling station on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, Automation Auto Gas in Podo Industrial Village, and the Ajibode Retail outlet along UI-Ojoo Road, all within the Ibadan metropolis.
During the event, Louisa Afu, Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative, highlighted that the distribution of the conversion kits is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal while promoting cleaner, more affordable energy options. Afu emphasized that this conversion initiative would significantly reduce fuel costs for commercial vehicle operators in Ibadan and surrounding areas, while also contributing to a healthier environment by lowering carbon emissions.
Afu also reassured Nigerians that the conversion exercise is not limited to Ibadan. She confirmed that it would be expanded to other regions of the country as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and providing long-term benefits to citizens through the adoption of CNG as an alternative to petrol.
