The Federal Government has officially introduced the Conversion Incentive Programme in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking a pivotal step towards reducing oil dependency and diversifying Nigeria's transportation sector.
The unveiling took place on Friday at Nsik Motors Terminal, Itam, Uyo, with Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, leading the ceremony.
The initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden of the removal of fuel subsidies by encouraging the adoption of alternative energy sources.
Oluwagbemi, who was represented at the event by the head of Commercials, Mr Tosin Coker, added that the inauguration was a pilot project designed to bring about a new benchmark for CNG vehicle conversion and training in the state.
“The Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) is part of the relief measures by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to assist Nigerians facing the challenges following the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
”The inaugurates today will bring a new benchmark for CNG conversion and training in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
He disclosed that the federal government, through the programme, is making kits and cylinders available to all commercial vehicles through accredited Conversion Centres, adding that the conversion would be done free of charge.
“What the government is doing through the P-CNGi is making available this conversion to all commercial transporters commercial vehicles for free.