The federal government has officially launched a nationwide network of conversion centers to facilitate the installation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits, aiming to address rising transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Overseen by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, this program offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly fuel alternative for commercial vehicles. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Program Director, revealed that 18 centers across the country have been equipped with 50 CNG kits each to kickstart the initiative.

During a recent inspection of several centers in Abuja, Oluwagbemi highlighted the distribution of these kits as part of a broader effort to provide free conversion kits to the commercial sector. In August, the President committed to supplying one million kits to help stabilize transportation fares nationwide.

Oluwagbemi also noted that seven centers in Abuja have already been equipped, with plans to expand to additional locations. “We’ve partnered with over 75 conversion partners across eight states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Kogi, Nasarawa, FCT, and Kaduna. By the end of the month, we will extend to nine more states, including Kwara and Akwa Ibom,” he stated.

The initiative, which aims to convert one million vehicles to CNG, is projected to save approximately N750 million—equivalent to a month’s fuel subsidy—and create 100,000 direct jobs. Commercial vehicle owners can obtain the free conversion kits by presenting their vehicle documents or identification for verification.

Oluwagbemi emphasized the dual benefits of the program, highlighting its potential to both lower transportation costs and support environmental sustainability.