Federal Government has officially launched the Conversion Incentive Programme in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The programme, part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s transport sector by offering free conversions of commercial vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)—a move touted as a game-changer in the face of fuel subsidy removal.
The launch event, which took place on Friday at the Nsik Motors Terminal, Itam, was heralded as a groundbreaking effort to curb dependence on costly petroleum products and provide sustainable transport alternatives.
Speaking on behalf of Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director and Chief Executive of PCNGi, Mr. Tosin Coker, Head of Commercials, explained that the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic relief measures. He stressed that the program would alleviate the financial hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidies.
Coker emphasized that the conversion kits and CNG cylinders would be provided free of charge to all commercial vehicles through accredited conversion centers.
“What the government is doing through the PCNGi is making this conversion available to all commercial transporters at no cost,” he said. “The President has directed that the kits and cylinders be distributed through designated centers, ensuring all conversions are handled without charge.”
He called on transport unions and local transport operators to embrace the initiative for a cleaner, safer, and more reliable transportation system.
In his welcome remarks, Nsikan Johnny, Chairman of Nsik Oil and Gas Limited, hailed the initiative as a major relief for Nigerians grappling with rising fuel prices. He reaffirmed his company’s commitment to promoting clean energy and announced the upcoming launch of a CNG mother station in Esit Eket to drive the state’s energy transition.
“We are excited to support this program by immediately commencing training for Akwa Ibom indigenes and establishing three mobile CNG dispensers within six months,” Johnny said. “We are committed to deploying mobile systems to power vehicles and expanding to mother-and-daughter stations across the state.”
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport, Orman Esin, represented by Director of Transport Bassey Akpanonong, expressed the state government’s excitement over the program, describing it as a crucial step in Nigeria’s energy transition journey. “This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable development, and we are ready to support its full implementation in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the event between PCNGi, Nsik Oil and Gas, and two other stakeholders to solidify their partnership and ensure the seamless implementation of the project.
The launch also featured goodwill messages from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), both of which pledged their support for the initiative.
