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  • SON okays 86 standards for CNG project

    SON okays 86 standards for CNG project

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in conjunction the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has approved 86 standards for the implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project.

    Its Director General/Chief Executive, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, announced this at a two-day management retreat, with the theme: Service Optimisation, Greater Effectiveness and Performance Enhancement for Renewed Future, at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    In a presentation, Okeke said the organisation was working with the Presidential Initiative for the CNG (PiCNG) in developing the standards.

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    The SON chief executive explained that the CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the operations initiated by President Bola Tinubu to mitigate the effects of oil subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    “The CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the CNG operations, which were promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to provide an alternative fuel and cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and full deregulation of the petroleum sector,” he said.

  • SON approves 86 standards to implement FG’s CNG project

    SON approves 86 standards to implement FG’s CNG project

    The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment have approved 86 standards for the implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project.

    The Director-general/Chief Executive of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke disclosed this at the organization’s two-day management retreat held at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

    The retreat was themed: “Service Optimization, Greater Effectiveness and Performance Enhancement for Renewed Future.”

    In his presentation, Okeke said that the organization is working together with the Presidential Initiative for the CNG (PiCNG) in the development of the standards.

    He explained that the CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the CNG operations initiated by President Bola Tinubu to mitigate the effects of oil subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    He said: “The CNG standards are necessary to herald the implementation of the CNG operations which was promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide an alternative fuel and cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and full deregulation of the petroleum sector.”

    Okeke added that the SON has a mission to uphold standards, promote quality, and ensure the safety of products in Nigeria.

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    He said that the retreat provides a unique platform to align strategies, enhance service delivery, and explore innovative ways to generate revenue for a sustainable future.

    “Together, we will explore strategies to elevate our leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence within the SON.

    “To strengthen our leadership capabilities, we will focus on key areas such as strategic thinking, effective communication, change management, and fostering innovation.

    “These skills are vital for navigating the dynamic landscape of standards and regulations while driving continuous improvement and organisational growth,” Okeke said.

    Speaking earlier, Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment charged SON to ensure excellent service delivery in all standardization.

    Rimi said this in her keynote address delivered at the 2024 Leadership retreat for the management staff of SON in Uyo on Wednesday.

    Rimi, who was represented by Anietie Umoessien, Director of the Industrial Inspectorate Department reminded participants at the retreat that SON plays a critical role in protecting the interests of consumers, stressing that they must strive for excellence in all activities.

    Rimi also added that the theme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “As we converge under the guiding theme of “SON – Service optimization, greater effectiveness, and revenue enhancement for a renewed future.

    “We are reminded of the critical roles the Standards Organisation of Nigeria plays in protecting the interests of consumers, promoting industrial growth, and revenue generation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

    “It is imperative for us to continuously strive for excellence, innovation, and relevance in our pursuit of these objectives,” Rimi said.

    Rimi urged SON management to foster a culture of collaboration, and creativity to unlock the full potential expected of the organisation to enhance economic growth and development of the nation.

  • Fed Govt to save $4.4b annually from conversion of vehicles to CNG

    Fed Govt to save $4.4b annually from conversion of vehicles to CNG

    The Federal Government says it hopes to save $12 million daily by reducing the current 50 million litres of petrol consumed in the country every 24 hours.

    This, it explained,  would be achieved through the conversion of a sizeable number of vehicles in the country  to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) users.

    The government added that at the moment, it hopes  to ensure that one million vehicles became CNG-enabled.

    “Total reduction in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit)  import will be $12 million a day or 4.4 billion a year,   said the Coordinator, Regulations, Compliance and Facilitation, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas(PCNGi),  Zayyan Tambari, an engineer.

    Tambari also told participants of a Co-Creation Session on Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) in Abuja yesterday that the government needed $890 million investment to establish  an alternative fuel infrastructure.

      Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, assured the participants that  government  was  committed to ensuring the full  utilisation of the nation’s  gas resources.

    Ekpo, who was represented by  Abel Nsa,  added that specific materials and tools would be needed across the value chain to ensure a safe usage of CNG as fuel for vehicles.

    The minister said: “We are at the point where we need to begin to talk about the safety issues in the use of CNG. We have got to educate ourselves and we have got to use specific tools and materials hitherto that we have not been using.

    “If you will recall what happened  with the emergence of the cell phone during President Obasanjo regime, from an economic perspective, a lot is going to happen. It is going to give us a lot of tools on how to utilise CNG.”

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    P-CNGi, Programme Director, and Chief Executive Officer,  Michael Oluwagbemi,  stressed  the importance of transition to natural gas.

    He said it was  more affordable, cleaner, safer and more sustainable for the economy.

    Oluwagbemi explained that the session  was crucial for relevant bodies to discuss the steps that have been put in place by the Federal Government through its various regulatory bodies to address safety concerns about   the energy source.

    His words: “In doing this transition, we need to make sure that the transition is smooth and ensure that any bad actors are identified and fished out, and that we all comply with the necessary basic technical regulations.

    “In achieving this, we need the cooperation of all members of the ecosystem right from the point of inspection or conversion to the point of use, right from the point of manufacturing or importation of any part to the point of installation, there is a need that we have a very strong regulatory regime.”

  • CNG: Chinese firm seeks partnership with Fed. govt

    CNG: Chinese firm seeks partnership with Fed. govt

    President Bola Tinubu’s directive on mandatory procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG-powered) vehicles by all government institutions is getting a boost with a Chinese firm, Wen Advisor, desiring to invest in the project.

    The government had said Nigeria offers huge business potential for investment in compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles.

    In a bid to implement President Tinubu’s directive, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, Amb Nicholas Agbo Ella met with officials of a Chinese company, Wen Advisor, in Abuja.

    This was contained in a press statement the Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Media, Mr John Ameh issued yesterday.

    According him, Ella said the investment opportunities in the use of the natural gas industry are enormous in Nigeria.

    He explained that the President’s policy on gas infrastructure development tallies with global best practices in the use of cleaner energy for environmental sustainability, a statement by the Permanent Secretary’s media aide,  Ameh said.

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    Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Upstream Department at the ministry, Engr Kamoru Busari, expressed the government’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for investment to thrive.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of Wen Advisor, Haikuo Weng, said he was in Nigeria with his team to explore possible areas of investment in the CNG-powered vehicles project.

    Weng explained that to develop a CNG gap pump station, it was necessary to ascertain whether local buses in Nigeria currently use liquefied natural gas (LNG) or the CNG.

    In an earlier letter of collaboration for what Weng called ‘Green Transportation Solutions,’ he pledged to introduce CNG buses with competitive pricing.

    To assist Nigeria in its energy transition efforts in the transportation sector, Mr Weng said he was in the country to “assess the potential for establishing natural gas refuelling stations.

    It will be recalled that President Tinubu’s recent directive was in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been considered to produce lower emissions, thereby safeguarding the environment.

    The policy also seeks to present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.

  • Why CNG vehicles can work In Nigeria – A rejoinder to Babachir Lawal

    Why CNG vehicles can work In Nigeria – A rejoinder to Babachir Lawal

    • By Dami Agboola

    In a commencement speech on the 26th of May 2011, at Harvard University, the former president of Liberia – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf admonished the Harvard Graduating class of 2011 with the following: “I urge you to be fearless about the future. Just because something has not been done yet, doesn’t mean it can’t be…….The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

    It is from the lens of being fearless about our collective future that Mr. President on May 29, 2023 at the Eagle square announced the end of fuel subsidy which subsequently ushered in the initiative and drive for the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel.

    It is pertinent to examine critical concerns raised by well meaning patriotic former government officials such as those raised in the article published in the Daily Trust newspaper of May 18th 2024.

    Babachir Lawal’s argument against the feasibility of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in Nigeria is premised on the lack of infrastructure and perceived government inefficiency. While his concerns are valid, they reflect a short-term perspective rather than considering the long-term benefits and potential solutions.

    Lawal argues that CNG vehicles cannot work without widespread refueling infrastructure. This is true; however, infrastructural development is a gradual process. The government’s directive to convert vehicles to CNG is a step towards reducing dependency on imported fuel and utilizing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves. By prioritizing infrastructure development, the government can create a sustainable CNG network. The success of such projects in other countries demonstrates that Nigeria can achieve this with proper planning and investment.

    To further counter this argument of infrastructure, using the example of Adamawa, according to the Adamawa office of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in 2022, it renewed the operation licenses of about 85 percent of the existing 530 petroleum stations in the state. Meaning there were 425 petrol stations serving an equivalent 2022 population of 4.9 million people. Would you argue that is the appropriate infrastructure? Lack of infrastructure represents an investment opportunity for the private sector, and with the influx of investments into CNG since last year when the President blew the whistle and the package of incentives the sector have received including duty and tax waiver, concessionary pricing and mandate of Purchase by the FEC, there is no better time to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). 

    The economic benefits of CNG for transportation are significant. CNG is cheaper than petrol and diesel, reducing operational costs for vehicles. For a country grappling with high fuel costs, this transition could alleviate financial pressure on both the government and consumers. Additionally, CNG is cleaner than other fossil fuels, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with global environmental goals and can help Nigeria meet its climate commitments. Natural gas supply especially non-associated is reliable and can be harnessed from the billions of cubic feet of gas flared annually, if we plan and put our mind and heart to it. Gas vehicles are also more reliable, they require less maintenance and overall benefit the user economically.

    Former SGF Lawal mentions the need for a comprehensive implementation strategy, which is essential. The government has outlined a phased and systematic approach, starting with major urban centers and gradually expanding to rural areas as indicated in its roadmap. The professionalism of the Presidential CNG Initiative’s team must be noted; the energy the Dr Zacch Adedeji team has brought to the task has been astounding propelled by a young and savvy management team. 

    Countries like India and Pakistan have successfully integrated CNG into their transportation systems. These countries did not have a built out infrastructure when the drive and push for adoption of CNG began. Yet we can review the numbers of ‘having dreams that exceed our current capacity to achieve them’

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    India: India has one of the largest CNG vehicle markets globally. The government has implemented policies promoting CNG use, resulting in over 3 million CNG vehicles. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai have extensive CNG refueling infrastructure. The success in India is driven by the need to reduce pollution and lower fuel costs. And the infrastructure followed the policies.

    Pakistan: Pakistan has also embraced CNG, with over 3.5 million CNG vehicles and around 3,000 refueling stations. The shift to CNG was motivated by the need to cut fuel import bills and reduce environmental impact. The government provided subsidies and incentives to encourage the transition which is what the Nigerian government is doing.

    Iran: Iran has the world’s largest fleet of CNG vehicles, with more than 4 million vehicles. The country leveraged its vast natural gas reserves to reduce gasoline consumption. Government initiatives, including subsidies for CNG conversions have been crucial to this success. The case of utilizing Nigeria’s gas similarly is crucial.

    Brazil: Brazil has a substantial number of CNG vehicles, particularly in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The adoption of CNG is part of Brazil’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on oil. I personally witnessed this as far back as 2014 in Rio de Janeiro.

    Thailand: Thailand has embraced CNG as part of its alternative energy strategy. The government supports the development of CNG infrastructure and offers incentives for vehicle conversions. This has led to a growing number of CNG vehicles and refueling stations across the country. The key here is support which the Nigerian government is providing.

    The successful adoption of CNG vehicles in these countries highlights several critical factors: We cannot be fearful of a future of CNG that other nations have demonstrated capacity and capabilities. Nigeria is developing a comprehensive strategy to successfully integrate CNG vehicles into its transportation system and its in its early days. Our dreams of CNG must exceed our current capacity to achieve, for this is the only way to move our Nation forward.

    CNG of course won’t stand alone. There is limited CNG infrastructure to the North, but that is already being solved by the incredible investment by NNPCL in Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline that will move pipe gas up North, and several planned Mini-LNG and C-LNG projects that form part of a planned virtual pipeline network by the Presidential CNG Initiative with Kwara, Nasarawa, FCT, Lokoja and Kaduna already planned for activation in few weeks. The PCNGI also engaged stakeholders and disclosed that it will extend EV Buses and Infra to far out locations through captive locations like university campuses. This is good for Nigeria. 

    While Babachir Lawal raises important points, dismissing the potential of CNG vehicles without considering long-term strategies and benefits is shortsighted. With careful planning, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration, CNG can significantly benefit Nigeria’s economy and environment. The government must commit to this transition, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for the nation.

     Agboola writes from Austin, Texas

  • Presidential CNG team assesses partners

    Presidential CNG team assesses partners

    The Presidential initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (P-CNG) yesterday began assessment of the capacity of major manufacturing partners in government’s effort to boost use of CNG automobiles and electric vehicles.

    Speaking yesterday during media tour of Mikano car assembly plant, in Ogun state, the Programme Director/Chief Executive, Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, said Mikano is one of the manufacturing partners of the CNG-powered automobiles who has shown commitment to supporting government move to ensure more people use CNG automobiles and electric vehicles.

    According to him: “At the Mikano factory, we have seen not just capacity, but the utilisation of gas, which the President has been talking about. For example, this factory is running on gas 24/7, and that shows that you can not just use the gas to power your transportation sector, but you can even use it to power your economy”.

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    Oluwagbemi explained that although many Nigerians are still doubtful of the functionality or  of this CNG, it not only works efficiently but is cost-effective.

    He said other manufacturers are also helping to ensure that the objectives of the project are realised. “In Victoria Island, in Lekki, there’s another manufacturer we’re working with. On Lagos-Badagry Expressway, on May 30, we’re going to be there to inspect another manufacturer, assembling the CNG tricycles. Much later in next month, we’re going to be seeing the Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing for trailer trucks being done,” he said.

    He said about 300 staff are employed in that section of this manufacturing plant. “So, it tells you the President is on the right track. We are on the right track as a nation. All we need as a nation, if you ask me, is the confidence. And the purpose of this trip is for us to understand that this thing is already happening in Nigeria,” he stated.

    Also speaking, Mikano International Chairman, Mofid Karameh, said the company is on the right tract by supporting government’s plan to ensure more people embrace CNG and electric vehicles.

  • EXPLAINER: Why Nigerians should embrace use of CNG-powered vehicles

    EXPLAINER: Why Nigerians should embrace use of CNG-powered vehicles

    The Federal Executive Council chaired by President Bola Tinubu recently mandated all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to, going forward, procure only vehicles and generators powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    The Federal Government also expects its MDAs to begin converting all petrol or diesel-powered vehicles or generators to CNG.

    The move is part of plans to cut transport costs occasioned by the country’s exit from the petrol subsidy regime.

    Recall the president, delivering his last Independence Day speech, had said: “New CNG conversion kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process”.

    Experts believe the government only needs to incentivise investments in CNG while encouraging the conversion of cars through government interventions.

    To achieve the gas transition objective, the federal government, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, directed Nigeria Customs Service to immediately apply a zero per cent duty on CNG, LPG, CNG equipment components, conversion and installation services, LPG equipment components, conversion and installation services, and all equipment and infrastructure related to the expansion of LPG and the Presidential CNG Initiative, including conversion kits.

    Edun also directed that no Value Added Tax be paid on the CNG components and conversion kits.

    The aim was to ensure conversion kits and other components needed for CNG are imported without too heavy costs to make vehicle conversion a bit cheaper.

    So far, the conversation has been around the cost of conversion, and it is believed that it is around N500,000 for a Toyota Corolla car.

    However, it has been said that the cost of buying petrol would be more than the cost spent on conversion and gas refilling in a year.

    CNG is natural gas that remains clear, odourless, and non-corrosive; serving as an alternative to petrol. CNG has non-toxic components that do not pollute nature and groundwater. That feature makes it better and more environmentally friendly than petrol and diesel.

    It is compressed to the point where it is lighter than air — usually approximately one percent of its original volume.

    Read Also: FEC adopts CNG-powered vehicles for ministries, agencies

    In the transport sector, CNG is utilised as a cleaner and cost-effective alternative to conventional petrol and diesel fuels.

    The major areas which focus on the use of CNGs include:

    1. Car life

    2. Safety

    3. Cost-saving

    4. CNG stations availability

    5. Climate-friendly

    CNG comprises mainly hydrocarbon gasses and vapour and contains predominantly methane. CNG-powered vehicles run on gas, operating like petrol-powered vehicles with spark internal combustion engines.

    According to a research publication authored by Chikwendu Ubani and Ikpaisong S. Ubong, running vehicles on CNG would greatly reduce the “troubles” encountered in importing fuel into the country.

    CNG cars are said to run quieter than petrol and diesel vehicles, which results in less noise pollution; and also produces fewer emissions and can improve energy security.

    Many engines that have been modified to run on CNG or LPG have a longer lifespan than equivalent engines that run on petrol. One reason is that clean-burning gas does not degrade engine oil as much as petrol does, resulting in longer engine and oil life.

    Although CNG cars are inexpensive, they do need good maintenance. When compared to petrol, CNG is a highly combustible gas. Accidents can occur even if there is a minor leak from the CNG cylinder or fuel line.

    Modern CNG automobiles come with factory-installed CNG kits, and it’s always preferable to buy a CNG car with a CNG kit already installed. However, the majority of individuals attempt to convert their petrol cars to CNG cars, and in the process, they wind up having a local mechanic install a CNG kit.

    Both CNG and petrol cars require the same basic maintenance. However, a CNG car requires more care and attention as it has many other components attached to it. The rest of the car’s maintenance is similar to that of a petrol car.

    There have been safety concerns and how healthy CNG could be for a vehicle originally designed for gasoline. Many are afraid that there might be gas explosions.

    However, some experts allayed the fear of possible explosion, stressing that the CNG cylinder is thick enough to withstand the pressure of what it contains.

    In conclusion, switching to compressed natural gas not only helps car owners save money but also contributes to a more sustainable environment. This is particularly relevant as the world continues to face the challenges of climate change.

  • FG rolls out nationwide activities for deployment of CNG initiative

    FG rolls out nationwide activities for deployment of CNG initiative

    The federal government on Wednesday, May 15, released detailed activities ahead nationwide deployment of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and tricycles to replace the petrol-powered ones on May 29.

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday, May 13, at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting directed all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to procure only CNG-powered vehicles and generators for official use.

    Announcing the 15-day-long activities in a statement in Abuja, the Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, said the government would embark on pre-launch itinerary aimed at engaging stakeholders and showcasing critical gas supply projects to fostering sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

    He said: “The PCNGI is embarking on an extensive pre-launch itinerary aimed at engaging stakeholders, showcasing critical gas supply projects, and facilitating the conversion and refuelling infrastructure across the nation.”

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    The nationwide stakeholders’ engagement is billed to be flagged off from South West with the Presidential (virtual) commissioning of the critical gas supply projects from May 15 to 22 at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited outlets.

    On May 16, the team will embark on an inspection of the Jets and Mikano Factory along with representatives from the Labour Ministry, Labour Unions, and the Nigerian Media.

    South-south and south-east stakeholders’ engagement will be held on May 17 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital where the launch of affiliate conversion and refuelling will follow at the Femadec Site as well as an inspection tour of the Total Energies support station.

    Oluwagbemi further said the team will commence another six-day inspection tour of the Kojo Factory at the Enugu-Onitsha Site from May 24 to receive the first set of assembled tricycles, buses, cylinders and kits from the regions for the official launch.

    He added that the ‘Luojia Assembly Plant for CNG tricycles on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be commissioned on May 30.

    “These activities mark significant milestones in our journey towards achieving energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for Nigeria. The PCNGI is committed to fostering collaboration with all stakeholders as we pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

    “These programmes are a fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to drive Nigeria’s energy transition in the transportation sector leveraging CNG and enabling economic growth,” he stated.

  • CNG buses to slash transport costs, curb inflation soon – Edun

    CNG buses to slash transport costs, curb inflation soon – Edun

    • Minister tours bus assembly plant in Lagos
    • Shettima: Tax reforms initiated for overall benefits of Nigerians

    The federal government has said that the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses under the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) will lead to a substantial reduction in transportation costs, ultimately helping to curb inflation.

    Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, expressed this view during a visit to the JET Motor Company (JET) Assembly Plant in Lagos, where CNG buses are being assembled.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at a separate forum on the economy yesterday, said the current tax reforms in the country are designed for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, quoted the minister as saying: “I have come to see the CNG buses that Nigerians are asking about. I have seen them. I have tested them and driven them. I have seen them being assembled. The benefits will soon be available to Nigerians.

    Edun highlighted the significant cost savings that CNG buses offer compared to their petrol-powered counterparts.

    “Two critical aims will be achieved. Whereas it costs about N55,000 to fill a 15-20 seater bus with petrol, it will cost between N12-15,000 to fill a CNG bus of the same capacity. This is three times, if not four times less.

    “This is a huge savings that will help reduce transport costs and at the same time help reduce inflation,” he said.

    He said the PCNGi is all about mass transit that is affordable, and praised JET’s employment of local talents in the assembly of the vehicles.

    The chairman and founder of JET, Chidi Ajaere, took the minister round during the visit.

    Also on hand were the CEO of JET motor company, Engr Derek Ewelukwa, and other members of the JET team such as Sanjay Rupani of the Technical Development Department and Ebimo Ofongo, the plant manager.

    Present also were Tosin Coker, Commercial director PCNGi and Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Development and Design Council.

    Ajaere commended President Bola Tinubu for his initiative in promoting local production of the CNG vehicles and the entire PCNGi team’s resolve to make the project a success.

    JET was established in 2018 to build Electric Vehicles (EV) vans, pickups and CNG/Petrol buses tailored to meet Nigeria’s unique transportation needs.

    The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero, during a visit to corporate headquarters of The Nation on Thursday said transport fares in the country would not have been this high if government had acted fast in flooding the roads with the CNG vehicles.

    He said: “When the current government first came into power and they removed subsidy, we made a proposal of CNG as the alternative source.

    “If you have Lagos roads flooded with CNG buses, anybody that is paying N3K (N3,000) may just need N1K (N1,000)  to go to work and back.

    “Now, you have checked that problem of transportation; even the market women carrying their products, whatever they are expending as cost of transportation is going to reduce.

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    “Between June last year and now, within three months we would have flooded the roads with CNG buses.

    “In fact, at a stage we had to bring in Innoson, which started producing vehicles that are CNG compliant. It is usually double. What you need to bring is a conversion kit and you can switch over to CNG or to PMS.

    “If we had achieved that in the first six or three months, you wouldn’t need to go to the streets. Transportation fare would have just crashed.

    “Now, if that was done before the removal of fuel subsidy, no Nigerian would resist and nobody would have known that there is removal of subsidy.

    “But by the time you removed it, prices were going up with no alternatives in sight.

    “We equally consulted people who are in that field and said we have gotten a bank to finance this at N320 per vehicle and then you can pay back for a period of three years as workers.

     “We met with the federal government. The same people that were asking us about the meaning of CNG, they brought their own consultants who presented a bill of N800 and they set up a committee on that.

    “And the committee as at today is not labour and government because there is disparity and then one may be faulting the ones we brought and say they are quacks or whatever.

    “So, between that time and now, that assignment has not been concluded and they said they released some money for bringing in some CNG buses because transportation is at the centre of this thing.”

    Shettima: Our tax reforms initiated for overall benefit of Nigerians

    Vice President Shettima said in Abuja that the tax reforms were meant to revitalise revenue generation in Nigeria while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Moddibo Umar, the Vice President told participants at the close-out retreat of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee that contrary to speculations in some quarters, “we are not here to frustrate any sector of our economy but to create an administrative system that ensures the benefits of a thriving tax system for all our citizens.”

    Senator Shettima explained the policy thrust of the administration’s tax reforms, pointing out that the dynamics of the nation’s fiscal landscape prompted the Tinubu administration to pause and reconsider the direction it was going.

    “Our aim remains the revitalisation of revenue generation in Nigeria while sustaining an investment-friendly and globally competitive business environment,” his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications Stanley Nkwocha quoted him as saying.

     While expressing confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver on the mandate, the VP emphasised the significance of the task ahead, noting that “we are gathered today because we are transitioning from the phase of proposal in the operations of this committee’s work to the phase of implementation.

    “I am confident that both the federal and state governments stand ready to ensure the effective implementation of your reform proposals, and we shall provide the institutional framework to guarantee the adoption of the consensuses of this committee, aligning them with our economic agenda,” he added.

  • SON, Ogun partner on CNG use

    SON, Ogun partner on CNG use

    The Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, (SON), Ifeanyi Okeke is championing the use of Compressed Natural Gas,  CNG by partnering with the Ogun state government after the accident that destroyed lives and properties in Ogun state.

    In a statement signed by the Head of Media, Victor Amadi, the DG and the Governor of Ogun state Prince Dapo Abiodun are partnering to ensure CNG begins full operation in the state as soon as possible. This came on the heels of a recent accident in Abeokuta involving a CNG truck.

    Okeke commiserated with the governor and people of the state on the unfortunate incident that recorded one fatality and many cars and properties destroyed.

    The whole idea behind the meeting is aligning state-level regulations with federal standards, enhancing safety protocols, and streamlining processes for the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel source.

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    According to the DG, “SON has elaborated and adopted 80 CNG-related standards that would help ensure that operators adhere to the highest safety protocols, minimizing risks associated with handling and usage. SON is committed to upholding stringent quality standards in line with global best practices”.

    Speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his administration’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependency on traditional fuels. He underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of CNG infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and promote widespread adoption across the state.

    The discussions also touched upon the broader national agenda, regarding President Bola Tinubu’s visionary “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritizes the implementation of strategic projects such as the CNG initiative. The aim is to alleviate the economic burden associated with the removal of fuel subsidies while simultaneously advancing Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

    Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at driving the successful implementation of CNG standards and ensuring the safety and efficiency of CNG operations across Ogun State. The partnership between SON and the Ogun State Government is poised to serve as a model for other states in Nigeria, fostering a conducive environment for innovation, investment, and socio-economic progress.