• Pi-CNGI insists on accredited conversion centres
As part of the federal government’s initiative to deepen gas usage, the Presidential Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, has flagged off the distribution of free compressed natural gas tricycles to cooperatives across the country. The exercise commenced on Thursday at the Win-Win Industrial Park, near Sagamu Interchange, Ogun State.
In a related development, The Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGI) yesterday, insisted on the patronage of only accredited conversion centres.
Speaking during the distribution of compressed natural gas tricycles to cooperatives across the country, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the programme was a transformative approach to empowering communities, fostering economic resilience and promoting sustainability across the country.
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Onyejeocha, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, noted that 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 several Nigerians.
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 explained.
The programme, she further said, represents the federal government’s determination to ensure all Nigerians benefitted from its economic policies of inclusiveness.
To actualise this, she disclosed that the government carefully selected cooperatives from all the geopolitical zones in the country, which she said would ensure that it reaches out to all underserved communities and thereby giving them the tools they need to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their children. The aim, she added, is to create a sustainable model of transportation that not only meets the needs of today but also protects the environment for future generations.
“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,” she added.
The Director of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed that the plan was to donate between 1,500 to 2,000 CNG tricycles. According to him, the government would select 60 cooperatives, 10 in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country.
Oluwagbemi explained that the beauty of the model is that the tricycles are powered by cheaper, safer and more reliable compressed natural gas, which is commendable for the environment.
The PCNGI boss therefore disclosed that from 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.
The Chairman of the Irewolede Cooperative Society, Olujimi Sobayo, appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative.
He, however, urged the government to ensure there are enough CNG refilling stations across the nation, saying Nigeria cannot depend so much on petrol and diesel.
Exploded vehicle: PCNGI insists on accredited conversion centres
PCNGI’s programme Director/Chief Executive, Michael Oluwagbemi, while insisting on the patronage of only accredited conversion centres in a press statement, called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance.
According to the PCNGI director, “Only accredited conversion centres must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all.”
He added: “This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners (at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC, and FRSC) on the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.”
He described as unfortunate, the incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16.
He commiserated with the injured victims of the incident.
He said: “The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident, and is thankful that no lives were lost.”
He said safe handling of all hydrocarbons is critical to their safe use.
According to him, a close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not approved for use for CNG.
He said the police, regulatory authorities, and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.
