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Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative announced on Wednesday that it has converted over 100,000 vehicles to CNG or bi-fuel configurations, resulting in more than 60 per cent savings in fuel costs.
PCNGI Project Director/CEO, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement, titled “Status Update on the Presidential CNG Initiative,” noted that over $200 million has been invested in developing CNG infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs as additional conversion centres are established to meet rising demand.
“To date, over 100,000 vehicles have been converted from petrol to CNG/bi-fuel-powered, and more conversion centres are being established across the country.
“In addition, investors are ramping up the development and deployment of CNG infrastructure, with over $200 million already invested across the value chain.
“Thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities are opening up along the line.”
However, Oluwagbemi expressed concern over what he described as “misinformation” from some media outlets.
He argued that some media reports “did not give a rational and fair assessment” of the initiative, suggesting that the claims were misleading.
“Given the level of progress made in adopting and deploying CNG infrastructure, we are concerned over certain instances of misinformation against this epochal initiative by a section of the media,” the statement read.
He disputed allegations regarding a lack of sufficient conversion centres, noting that the number has grown from seven in 2023 to over 140, exceeding the 50 centres cited in an editorial by The Punch on October 31.
Responding to claims that CNG conversions are financially burdensome for commercial drivers, Oluwagbemi asserted that conversions for commercial vehicles are free under the Conversion Incentive Programme.
“One of the issues raised against the CNG initiative and its implementation by The Punch is the ease of conversion.
“We see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and we are already deepening the development of CNG infrastructure with our partners.
“Moreover, the number of conversion centres has risen from seven in 2023 to more than 140 across the country, certainly not the 50 centres claimed by The Punch. Facts are sacred.
“We believe the sanctity of facts is not lost on The Punch, but to claim or assert without veracity and evidence is an obvious attempt at mischief,” the PCNGI chief stated.
He also outlined the programme’s goal to convert one million commercial vehicles to CNG or bi-fuel within three years, with public support from the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Addressing safety concerns following a CNG cylinder explosion in Edo State, Oluwagbemi clarified that the incident was due to a substandard, uncertified CNG cylinder failing during refilling.
He emphasised that CNG is “eight times less explosive than diesel and eighteen times less explosive than petrol” and is both cleaner and more sustainable for Nigeria’s energy security.
The PCNGI Chief also dismissed claims that the government has not shown commitment to the CNG initiative, citing the conversion of fleet vehicles by agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
He added that a federal directive mandates that all government-purchased vehicles must be CNG-enabled.
Oluwagbemi noted that the Tinubu administration is collaborating with banks through the Credit Corp Credit Access for Light and Mobility programme, making CNG conversions accessible to more Nigerians.
“This initiative will allow civil servants and private-sector employees to obtain loans for CNG conversions, further expanding access to the initiative’s benefits,” he explained.
Oluwagbemi said the initiative is open to working with the media to provide accurate information about its activities.
