By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria has committed $80 million to convert 5,500 vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), marking a significant stride in curbing pollution within the transport sector.
Earlier announcements by the federal government outlined plans to have one million CNG-powered vehicles on the road by 2027, emphasizing a concerted effort toward sustainable transportation solutions.
Scheduled to kick off in May, the federal government’s initiative to launch and deploy the CNG vehicles for mass transit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s one-year milestone in office.
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Analysts note that the recent release of N100 billion naira ($80 million) by the federal government towards the project, marks a pivotal step in the conversion endeavor.
Part of Nigeria’s broader $2.5 billion Energy Transition Plan, this funding aims to convert 2,700 buses and tricycles, pivotal modes of transportation for Nigerians. Additionally, the initiative includes plans for the gradual establishment of 100 conversion stations across 18 states.
While some may question the long-term sustainability of natural gas investments, CNG serves as a transitional energy source, offering significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional diesel and petrol vehicles.
Reports have it that CNG vehicles, equipped with dual tanks, emit approximately 85% less CO2, presenting a tangible step toward decarbonizing the transportation sector.
This strategic move underscores Nigeria’s proactive stance in addressing environmental challenges while charting a course toward a more sustainable future for its citizens.
