Nigerian Government Launches Free Conversion of 150 Commercial Vehicles to CNG in Kaduna

In response to the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as fuel, the Nigerian Federal Government has begun converting 150 commercial vehicles in Kaduna State to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The conversion process, which is free of charge, is part of a broader initiative aimed at easing the burden of high transportation costs.

Thomos Ayu, the coordinator of the project, announced that the conversion kits will be distributed and installed in commercial vehicles across Zaria, Peugeot Kakuri, and Royal Energies in Kakau, with the goal of making transportation more affordable. The government has set an ambitious target of distributing 10,000 conversion kits to ensure widespread adoption of CNG in Kaduna’s commercial transport sector.

During pre-conversion tests for 50 vehicles in Zaria, Dauda Suleiman, Team Lead for the CNG initiative at the National Institute for Transport Technology (NITT), highlighted that beneficiaries, including members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, the National Association of Transport Owners, and the Association of Taxis, would receive the kits at no cost.

Suleiman explained that CNG offers a cost-effective alternative to petrol, with a kilogram of CNG priced at N230 in Abuja and N455 in Kaduna, making it significantly cheaper. He also noted that CNG-powered vehicles cover more distance than those running on petrol, further reducing costs for drivers.

Additionally, Suleiman pointed out that CNG requires minimal maintenance and emphasized the government’s efforts to train mechanics to address any concerns regarding CNG technology.

Lawal Abdullahi, Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, praised the government’s initiative, describing it as a major step forward in helping commercial drivers manage the impact of rising fuel prices.