Nigeria Launches New Initiatives for CNG Vehicle Conversion and Youth Employment

The federal government of Nigeria has unveiled a new website aimed at facilitating the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), complete with a pay-later option for conversion costs. This initiative, announced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) via its official X handle on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to transition towards cleaner energy sources following the removal of fuel subsidies.

According to the statement from NOA, the website offers users the ability to convert their vehicles now and pay back the conversion costs through affordable monthly installments at competitive rates. “With flexible payment plans tailored to fit your budget, transitioning from petrol to CNG has never been smoother or more affordable,” the statement highlighted. The website, accessible at gocng.ng, promises an easy online application and quick approval process to ensure a hassle-free experience for users.

This development aligns with the goals of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), which promotes renewable energy for transportation. Recently, the initiative also launched the “Transport Fare Drop Programme” in Abuja, which seeks to introduce CNG as a cleaner and more affordable alternative fuel while reducing transportation costs. As part of this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the PCNGi and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for converting vehicles on the Abuja-Itakpe Station to Adavi route to CNG, aiming for a fare reduction of 30-40%.

Additionally, an agreement was reached with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to implement a Nigerian Police CNG Conversion Programme. This program will focus on training police cadets to manage strategic CNG conversion centers identified by the NPTF.

In another related development, the Nigerian government has introduced a portal providing access to 2,000 CNG tricycles intended to boost employment among young people. The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, launched this portal in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG) and the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners & Riders Association (NATOMORAS) in Abuja. The portal aims to foster transparency in youth enrollment into the transportation sector under the Presidential CNG Initiative.

Olawande emphasized that the portal is designed to offer equal opportunities to all regions and socio-economic backgrounds in Nigeria. “This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for government programs to provide equal opportunities regardless of wealth or social status,” Olawande stated. The portal empowers young Nigerians to register and connect with aggregators or vehicle owners who participate directly in the program.

The initiative also marks cooperation with NATOMORAS, as noted by its chairman Sani Hassan. During the launch, he expressed gratitude and assured the Minister of the Association’s commitment to mobilizing and educating its members to participate actively and maximize the benefits offered. Hassan described the launch of the portal as historic for their association across Nigeria.