In the bid to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal, Ekiti State has benefited from the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), as the Pi-CNG launched and handed over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Ekiti State transport unions and other stakeholders.
The event also featured the signing of a partnership agreement with accredited technicians and workshop owners and unveil of seven CNG conversion centres across the state, providing commercial vehicle owners the opportunity to convert their vehicles to run on CNG entirely free of charge.
According to the Programme Director and Chief Executive of Pi-CNG, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, this service, which typically costs around ₦1 million, is part of the government’s commitment to easing the transitional challenges faced by Nigerians.
This initiative aims to improve the affordability of public transportation, protect the environment, and enhance the overall well-being of Ekiti residents.
Among the dignitaries at the occasion was the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo J. Osanipin, who joined the Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative (pi-CNG), Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Ekiti State government officials, and traditional rulers for the official launch of the Conversion Incentive Program (CIP).
In his goodwill message, Osanipin congratulated the people of Ekiti State for the privilege of hosting the Presidential CNG Initiative program, which according to him is a key component of the Federal Government’s palliative measures under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to alleviating the transitional hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. CNG technology offers safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective solutions for transportation, and Ekiti State is at the forefront of this transformation,” he remarked.
The NADDC helmsman also emphasized the strong synergy between the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Presidential CNG Initiative. He reassured transport unions and the general public of the safety and efficiency of CNG-powered vehicles, while also highlighting the availability of conversion kits and components to ease the transition to CNG.
Also present at the launch were prominent officials, including Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, Hon. Commissioner for Transport, Ekiti State; and Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Infrastructure.
The traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido, and HRM Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, along with other esteemed royal fathers. Members of Ekiti’s road transportation unions and automotive technicians were also on hand to witness the historic occasion.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (pi-CNG) is part of a broader strategy to transform Nigeria’s automotive sector by reducing dependence on petrol. The Conversion Incentive Program will play a critical role in this effort by ensuring that automotive technicians and workshop owners are equipped and certified to support the transition to CNG-powered vehicles.
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