On Friday, the Federal Government commenced the distribution of free Compressed Natural Gas powered tricycles to cooperatives across the country.
The Presidential Natural Gas Initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, opened the exercise at Win-Win Industrial Park, near Sagamu Interchange, Ogun State.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Labor and Employment, while speaking, mentioned that the programme was a transformative approach to empowering communities, fostering economic resilience, and promoting sustainability across the nation.
John Nyamali, the Director of Employment and Wages, who represented the minister stated that the government was excited to introduce CNG-powered tricycles that will serve as a lifeline for many, offering not only mobility but also economic opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
Still speaking at the ceremony, she noted that the free CNG tricycles donated to the cooperatives would be used for commercial purposes while the proceeds would be shared by the members.
“By leveraging the cooperative model, we are ensuring that the benefits of this initiative will flow directly to the people. Each selected cooperative made up of dedicated members will operate these tricycles commercially. The proceeds will be shared equitably among all cooperative members, ensuring that the economic benefits are distributed fairly, uplifting every participant and their families” she reiterated.
According to Onyejeocha, the programme was part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“We have carefully selected cooperatives from all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We believe in reaching out to underserved communities and giving them the tools they need to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their children. We aim to create a sustainable model of transportation that not only meets the needs of today but also protects our environment for future generations.”
She also added that: “The impact of this initiative will resonate far beyond just transportation. By empowering cooperatives, we are fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development. We are igniting local economies and instilling a sense of pride and ownership among community members.”
The Director of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, highlighted that the plan was to donate between 1,500 to 2,000 CNG tricycles to cooperatives.
According to Oluwagbemi, the government would select 60 cooperatives, 10 in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country.
Oluwagbemi said: “The importance of the model is that we are getting tricycles powered by cheaper, safer, and more reliable compressed natural gas to our streets, and the Ministry of Labour, working with us, is ensuring that we mobilise cooperatives. The cooperative model, as you all know, is critical to getting things done at the grassroots. Villages in our rural areas and our communities, and our hamlets don’t have banks. They depend on cooperatives,” he said.
The PCNGI director also revealed that starting this weekend till the end of the month, residents of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, will enjoy free tricycle rides as the first cooperative to benefit from the initiative, Irewolode, is domiciled in that area.
“With us today, we have a representative of one of these cooperatives here that will be the first beneficiary of the programme. I’m told that as soon as this weekend, you will be able to benefit if you go to the Amuwo Odofin community where the cooperative is situated to ride these tricycles.
On the other hand, Olujimi Sobayo, the Chairman of the Irewolede Cooperative Society, appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative.
Mr. Sobayo also charged the government to ensure there are enough CNG refilling stations across the nation, stating Nigeria cannot depend so much on petrol and diesel.
