Federal Government flags off CNG Bus Initiative and conversion centers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) and handed over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the State House. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on traditional fuels.

The official flag-off ceremony was presided over by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, at the State House in Abuja. The government has also established approximately seven conversion centers across Nigeria to facilitate the adoption of CNG vehicles.

During the event, the Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative Steering Committee, Zacch Adedeji, who was represented by Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), announced that the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the purchase of CNG buses has been waived. This move reflects the government’s commitment to leading an energy revolution in the country.

Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Project Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, revealed that several state governments have already expressed interest in investing in CNG buses. When discussing the cost of vehicle conversion, Oluwagbemi explained that the conversion cost varies depending on the vehicle’s model and type. He also emphasized that the PCNGI aims to incentivize the cost of conversion for the Nigerian population, making CNG vehicles more accessible and affordable.