CNG: Nigerian Government Starts Conversion Of 150 Commercial Vehicles In Kaduna

In response to the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, the Federal Government has launched a free conversion program for 150 commercial vehicles in Kaduna State to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Thomas Ayu, the initiative’s coordinator, announced that conversion kits would be provided and installed at no cost in Zaria, Peugeot Kakuri, and Royal Energies in Kakau. This effort aims to reduce transportation costs, with plans to distribute 10,000 conversion kits to equip the state’s commercial transport sector for CNG adoption.

Ayu noted that 150 CNG cylinders had already been handed over to partners, with hopes of improving the transport sector and mitigating the impact of fuel prices nationwide.

Dauda Suleiman, team lead for the CNG conversion initiative at the National Institute for Transport Technology (NITT), mentioned that 50 vehicles owned by transport union members were undergoing pre-conversion tests. The beneficiaries, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the National Association of Transport Owners, will receive the conversion kits free of charge.

Suleiman explained that the shift to CNG, driven by the removal of the petrol subsidy, was due to CNG’s availability and lower cost. In Abuja, CNG is priced at N230 per kilogram, while in Kaduna, it costs N455—significantly cheaper than petrol. Additionally, CNG allows for greater distance coverage, making it a more cost-effective fuel option.

He further highlighted that CNG requires minimal maintenance, with mechanics being trained to handle any potential issues.

Lawal Abdullahi, Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, praised the government for initiating the CNG conversion program for commercial vehicles.