The Federal Government has commenced the conversion of 150 commercial vehicles free of charge in Kaduna State.
The move is aimed at reducing the cost of transportation following the increase in pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as fuel.
According to the Coordinator, Logistics and Supply chain of the initiative, Thomos Ayu, while speaking at the distribution of the kits, the conversion kits will be distributed and installed for free to commercial vehicles in Zaria, Peugeot Kakuri, and Royal Energies in Kakau.
He noted that the aim is to distribute the 10,0000 conversion kits to ensure that the commercial transport sector is fully equipped to adopt CNG in the state.
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He said the initiative was handing over 150 CNG kits cylinders to its partners to improve the transport sector and reduce the impact on the price of fuel across the country.
Also, Team Lead for the CNG conversion initiative at the National Institute for Transport Technology (NITT) Centre, Dauda Suleiman, during the pre-conversion tests for 50 vehicles belonging to commercial transport union members in Zaria, Kaduna state, said the beneficiaries including the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, National Association of Transport Owners, Association of Taxis among others will be getting their kits free of charge.
Suleiman explained that the removal of subsidy on petrol and government’s emphasis on CNG was due to its abundance and lower cost.
“A kilogram of CNG goes for N230 in Abuja and N455 in Kaduna, making it cheaper than petrol. Additionally, CNG covers more distance than petrol, making it a cost-effective option,” he explained.
He also noted that the cost of conversion varies depending on the location and availability of kits, pointing out that, “We are committed to making this initiative accessible to all.”
“While the initial 50 vehicles will receive free conversion kits, others can access the kits at a reasonable cost. We are working to ensure that the cost of conversion is not a barrier to adoption,” he added.
Addressing concerns about maintenance and durability, Suleiman emphasized that CNG was 90% maintenance-free, saying “CNG requires minimal maintenance beyond regular vehicle maintenance. We also offer training programs for mechanics to address any concerns.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, commended the Federal Government’s initiative to convert commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
He said the conversion would significantly reduce operating costs for commercial vehicle owners, leading to decreased transport fares and improved economic benefits for Nigerians.
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