The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has launched an initiative to promote the conversion of vehicles from using Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
This move is part of efforts to offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol, given the rising fuel costs and concerns about emissions.
A key aspect of this program is the opening of an online portal, gocng.ng, where Nigerians can apply for the conversion process with flexible payment plans. These plans allow people to convert their vehicles now and pay for the conversion in affordable monthly installments. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) emphasized that the process is designed to be straightforward, with easy online applications and quick approval to ensure a smooth experience.
The government is promoting CNG as a more affordable and reliable alternative, highlighting the following benefits:
- Cost savings: CNG is generally cheaper than petrol.
- Environmental impact: CNG produces fewer emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Enhanced engine life: Vehicles running on CNG tend to experience less wear and tear on their engines.
- Safety and reliability: CNG technology has a strong safety track record and reliable performance.
The government had earlier launched a free CNG conversion program in Lagos as part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), which aims to promote broader adoption of CNG across the country.
This initiative is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to address economic challenges, especially those posed by the removal of fuel subsidies and the resultant rise in fuel prices. By making CNG more accessible, the government aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
