FG Moves to Adopt CNG for Public Transportation Across States

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government, as part of the effort to drive alternative fuelling options through the National Economic Council (NEC), has endorsed the proposed mass deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to all states for public transportation.

The Director of Information in the Office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, in a statement, said the decision was part of resolutions reached at the fourth meeting of the Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the State House Executive Council Chambers on Thursday.

Mr Abiola explained that the decision was taken after a presentation by the NEC Ad hoc Committee on cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal was made by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state.

Speaking after deliberations on the presentation, Mr Shettima said, “We will also pursue vigorously the mass deployment of CNG-powered vehicles and establishment of autogas conversion plants/kits in all states in the short-term.

“We will also deploy electric buses and cars with charging infrastructure across the country.”

He also revealed that the meeting resolved to support enhanced engagements between state governors and the leadership of the labour unions across the states and proposed the provision of the cost-of-living allowances to be paid to civil servants in both the state and federal civil services.

CNG is a fossil fuel substitute for petrol, diesel fuel or propane/LPG. Its combus­tion does not produce green­house gases. It is a more environmen­tally clean alternative to pet­rol and diesel fuel and much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill.

The FG, since the erstwhile administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, had touted it as an alternative to reduce the expensive cost of petrol.

However, with the recent removal of subsidy by the Bola Tinubu administration, the interest has picked up again, with more people calling for its adaptation to mitigate the impact of the recent re­moval of fuel subsidy is ex­periencing some challenges.

However, cautious Nigerians remain sceptical about its safety as well as the cost of conversion.