In a major push to reduce fuel costs and promote cleaner energy, the Federal Government has introduced a new initiative offering free vehicle conversions from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at six different locations in Lagos. This program is part of the government’s larger effort to transition Nigeria’s transportation sector towards more affordable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives.
To further ease the financial burden, the government has also launched a “Convert and Pay Later” scheme. This initiative allows vehicle owners to convert their cars to CNG now and pay for the conversion costs later through affordable monthly installments. The move is aimed at making the switch to CNG more accessible to Nigerians, particularly in light of the rising costs of petrol following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) announced the launch of a new website where Nigerians can easily apply for the CNG vehicle conversion. Through this online platform, car owners can sign up for the conversion and select flexible payment options.
The NOA, in an official statement shared on their social media platforms, highlighted the benefits of the new initiative. “Switching to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is now more accessible than ever,” the agency said. “With flexible payment plans tailored to fit your budget, transitioning from petrol to CNG has never been smoother or more affordable. These payment options allow you to convert your vehicle now and pay later with affordable monthly installments at competitive rates.”
The statement further explained that the application process is straightforward and that users would receive full support to ensure a seamless conversion process. Interested vehicle owners are encouraged to visit the newly launched website at gocng.ng to begin the process.
The government’s aggressive push for the use of CNG as an alternative to petrol comes on the heels of the removal of Nigeria’s long-standing petrol subsidy. The removal of the subsidy led to a significant increase in the price of petrol, putting a strain on the pockets of many Nigerians.
In response, the Federal Government launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) to help ease the burden on citizens and offer them a more affordable fuel option. CNG is not only cheaper than petrol, but it is also a cleaner energy source that produces fewer harmful emissions. This aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and combat climate change.
CNG is produced from natural gas, a resource that Nigeria has in abundance. By encouraging the switch to CNG, the government hopes to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol while simultaneously boosting the country’s energy security.
Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest city, is at the forefront of the CNG conversion campaign. The government has set up six conversion centers across the city where motorists can have their petrol-powered vehicles converted to CNG for free. These centers are expected to accommodate a large number of vehicle owners, providing them with the opportunity to switch to CNG without any upfront costs.
The goal of the government is to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians by offering this free conversion service while promoting the use of CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol.
In addition to offering free conversions, the Federal Government has introduced a “Convert and Pay Later” scheme. This payment option is designed to make the switch to CNG even more accessible to Nigerians who may not be able to afford the conversion costs upfront.
Through this scheme, vehicle owners can convert their cars to CNG and pay for the conversion later through affordable monthly installments. This flexible payment plan is expected to encourage more Nigerians to make the switch and take advantage of the cost savings associated with using CNG.
According to the NOA, the monthly payment rates are competitive, and the process for applying for the conversion and payment plan is quick and hassle-free. The initiative is expected to benefit both private car owners and commercial vehicle operators, such as taxi drivers and bus owners, who stand to save significantly on fuel costs by switching to CNG.
As part of its broader efforts to promote CNG, the government has also launched the Transport Fare Drop Programme. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs by converting commercial vehicles from petrol to CNG, with the goal of achieving a 30-40% reduction in transport fares for passengers.
The Transport Fare Drop Programme was first introduced in Abuja, where the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The MOU ensures that vehicles on key routes, such as the Abuja-Itakpe Station to Adavi route, will be converted to CNG, leading to lower fares for commuters.
