By Patrick Idowu
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), has urged greater private sector participation in the CNG value chain, particularly in the establishment of more conversion centres across Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning of TeeJay Motors Ltd CNG Conversion Centre at Cele Bus Stop, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, Pi-CNG Programme Director/CEO, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, represented by Pi-CNG Regional Director, South West, Mrs. Ogonna Onyemelukwe, emphasized the need for substantial investment to achieve the government’s target of converting one million vehicles to CNG by 2026.
“To meet this ambitious goal, we need at least 150,000 to 200,000 conversion centres and two million skilled technicians,” he stated, highlighting Nigeria’s vast gas reserves of over three trillion cubic feet and its position as Africa’s leading gas-rich nation.
He commended TeeJay Motors Chairman, Adekunle Tajudeen, for supporting the federal government’s clean energy agenda by establishing the new CNG conversion centre.
According to him, since May 2023, no fewer than 55 conversion centres have been established in the Southwest, with several more in Lagos.
The Managing Director of FirstCor, Adeshina Banire, revealed that the TeeJay Motors subsidiary plans to begin training certified conversion technicians by March and eventually assemble CNG vehicles.
National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), representative, Mr. Oloruntoba Ogunmola, assured that the agency would ensure all conversion kits meet global standards, reinforcing its commitment as a strategic partner in the initiative.
Khadijat Tajudeen, daughter of the TeeJay Motors Chairman, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting the presidential initiative, noting its role as a major partner of LAMATA’s BRT system in providing sustainable transport solutions.
Pi-CNG reiterated its call for greater participation in the CNG value chain, stressing the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to cleaner, cost-effective energy sources.
