The Presidential Compress Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), in collaboration with Rolling Energy, has announced the commencement of the nationwide Mass Transit Conversion Program.

The announcement was made at the PCNGI launch of the conversion and refuelling site in Ilorin on Wednesday.

A statement by the PCNGI, said the initiative aims to convert mass transit vehicles to cleaner energy sources, significantly reducing emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

The PCNGI is the program of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, dedicated to promoting clean energy solutions across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, PCNGI aims to reduce environmental impact and support the transition to sustainable energy for the transport sector.

The initial phase of the conversion program will be initiated in Lagos, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Rivers States. This phase will be executed in partnership with major transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

To ensure the success of the program, PCNGI said the rollout will commence in eight of over 120 designated conversion workshop sites, after which the key union partners, will have the opportunity to observe, evaluate the conversion process, and provide valuable feedback as the initiative plans to scale up operations across 15 states over the next 45 days.

The rollout, it said, will be backed by a 50 per cent discount on equipment and kit costs, and support to qualified union members for installation cost.

It said, “PCNGI and Rolling Energy are committed to driving Nigeria towards a more sustainable future. Establishing the Ilorin site and the nationwide conversion program are pivotal steps in reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the efficiency of mass transit systems”.

Interested public members are to visit Femadec, FixIt45, and Portland in Lagos, NITT, Nipco in Abuja, Total Support and Femadec in Abuja, and Rolling Energy in Ilorin for conversion.

The development comes after the Presidency said it would launch 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles before May 29 when President Tinubu turns one year in office.

It said FG would deliver 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites spread across 18 states before the end of 2024.