In response to the rising cost of petrol, commercial drivers in Lagos have begun converting their vehicles from petroleum-powered engines to compressed natural gas (CNG) engines at various conversion centres across the state.
This initiative follows the distribution of conversion kits by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), aimed at mitigating the impact of high fuel prices.
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The first phase of the program targets the conversion of over 10,000 vehicles nationwide, with commercial drivers being encouraged to take advantage of free vehicle conversions at designated centres.
In Lagos, six centres, including the Portland Conversion Centre in Ojota, have seen a surge in participation from taxi and bus drivers, particularly members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
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One driver, Ayodele Jeleel from the NURTW Mile 12 branch, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, stating that drivers who converted their vehicles were now spending as little as ₦5,000 to ₦6,000 on gas, compared to ₦40,000 to ₦45,000 daily on petrol.
He pledged to reduce transportation fares after converting his vehicle to CNG.
Another driver, Alhaji Saliu Umar, also highlighted the benefits of CNG, noting the relief it would bring amid skyrocketing petrol prices.
“CNG is very cheap, and it will allow us to reduce transportation costs for the masses,” he said.
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At the Ojota centre, technicians explained that it takes about four hours to convert a vehicle using a team of engineers and electricians.
Chief Operating Officer of Portland Gas Limited, Michelle Ejiofor, emphasized the environmental and financial benefits of CNG, explaining that cleaner emissions and lower transportation costs could positively impact food prices and the overall cost of living.
The centre has received 50 conversion kits, and the first 50 commercial vehicles will be converted free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Currently, over 30 vehicles are awaiting conversion at the facility.
Commercial Operations Manager at PCNGi, Omoh Imoukhuede, reiterated the permanence of the CNG program, confirming that 10,000 conversion kits have been deployed nationwide, with Lagos being one of the first locations.
“CNG is here to stay,” Imoukhuede stated, adding that the initiative is expected to greatly benefit mass transit and commercial vehicles in the long term.
