The federal government through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), has commenced the inspection and installation of 110 CNG kit to commercial vehicles in Ogun state.
Director of vehicle inspection services in the State Ministry of Transportation, Engineer Ademehin Olugboyega said the initiative would help reduce the hike in transportation prices and provide a cleaner environment.
He spoke, weekend at the exercise in partnership with the Nigerian Gas and Transport Solutions Limited (NGTSL) which took place at the conversion center within the premise of Ogun Public Works Agency, Quarry Road and NexGen Automotive, Olorunsogo, both in Abeokuta.
Olugboyega stated that a 70 liters cylinder which is 60mm thick can cover 150 kilometers thereby saving cost for drivers.
“We are inspecting commercial vehicles to confirm if they are fit to be converted for the use of CNG. For this center we are distributing 60 kits for now more are still coming.
“The 70 litres cylinder can cover 150 kilometers.The cylinder is molded not welded and is as thick as 60mm, bulletproof, accident proof and cannot cause any explosion. To install a kit for petrol engine it takes 4-5hrs but for diesel engine it would take 3days”, he said.
In his remarks, the State chairman, of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Ismail Yaro praised the federal government for the initiative noting that it comes at a time when petrol prices are rising daily.
Yaro who was represented by Ahmed Bankole, branch chairman for Abeokuta North 1, said the initiative if properly implemented will drastically reduce the hike in transportation fare in the state
He said “ We feel happy, very happy. It’s a good initiative coming at a time when the price of petrol is increasing every day.
“But with this initiative, I think and I believe that if the initiative is properly implemented, we will all be happy. The price is low, while the petrol is high.
“We will reduce the transport fare downward and drastically if the initiative is well implemented. We must do that. Presently, it’s like we are wasting our time because we are not making profit. All our income is being on fuel every day. We thank the President for this initiative.
Also speaking, the Operations Manager, NGTSL, Ali Manager assured that drivers using CNG powered cars can in two years buy a new one.
He maintained that Nigeria unlike other countries will be an independent company in terms of energy and this will bring a bigger change to the company.