FG rolls out 2,700 CNG buses, tricycles May 18
The Presidency has announced plans to introduce approximately 2,700 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles before May 29, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. The initiative aims to establish 100 conversion workshops and 60 refueling sites across 18 states by the end of 2024.
According to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the rollout of the CNG initiative signifies Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more cost-effective energy solutions. The project, launched in October 2023, aims to provide cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy options, especially for mass transit.
The Federal Government has allocated N100 billion from the N500 billion palliative budget to purchase 5,500 CNG vehicles, including buses and tricycles, along with 100 electric buses and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. Additionally, plans are underway to develop CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations nationwide to support the initiative.
The recent announcement includes the establishment of a new plant on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for assembling tricycles, while Brilliant EV will assemble electric vehicles using Semi Knocked Down components. These components, manufactured by Chinese company LUOJIA in partnership with local suppliers, are set to arrive in Nigeria in May.
Four plants owned by JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV are involved in assembling semi-knocked-down components of CNG buses. JET is assembling buses in Lagos and aims to deliver 200 units before May 29, 2024. Similarly, Brilliant EV will assemble electric vehicles, primarily for areas without access to CNG.
To facilitate the initiative, the private sector has invested over $50 million in refueling stations, conversion centers, and mother stations, benefiting from tax and duty waivers approved by President Tinubu in December 2023. Safety standards and regulations have been developed and approved to ensure the safe and reliable conversion of vehicles to CNG.
Moreover, the Federal Government plans to sell thousands of conversion kits for petrol-powered buses and taxis at subsidized rates to encourage migration to CNG. NIPCO and BOVAS are involved in offering refueling services and serving as conversion centers nationwide. The NNPC Limited is also joining the initiative and will announce locations for CNG refueling and conversion centers nationwide.
The Presidential CNG Initiative is working with 22 other agency partners to develop 80 Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion and Associated Appliances Standards for the country. Additionally, a monitoring app, MYCNG.NG App, will be launched to track CNG conversion and refueling sites nationwide.
Overall, the initiative represents a significant step towards reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria’s transportation sector. Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial for the successful implementation of the initiative and achieving President Tinubu’s vision of one million gas vehicles on Nigerian roads by 2027.
Punch News
