Ekiti State Government has taken delivery of 15 CNG buses from the Federal Government under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG) with a pledge to convert many government vehicles as quickly as possible.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji who made the promise in Ado Ekiti during the official launch of the Conversion Incentive Program and handover of the CNG buses to the State Government, said that some Government vehicles had already been converted for CNG use while many others had been identified for conversion “in the shortest possible time”.
Speaking through the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the provision of the purely CNG buses for commercial use of the State’s Mass Transit scheme.
Oyebanji said “the cost of the buses is to be recovered from the commercial use of long haul transportation between Ekiti, Lagos and Abuja, and we look to work with NURTW and RTEAN to ensure that any past failures of the mass transit system in Ekiti State are not repeated”.
Highlighting the benefits of using CNG to generate power, the Governor noted that there is greater quantity of Compressed Natural gas than crude oil in Nigeria which is currently being much wasted when flared, adding that it is not only cheaper than liquid fuels like petrol and diesel but also environmental friendly as it burns more cleanly.
He emphasized that “there are proven claims of one tenth to one eighth the cost per kilometre when compared with gasoline or diesel depending on the vehicle type, its mechanical condition and distance driven”.
“I understand that there is a period for a number of free conversion kits, but while you should take advantage of this, I am convinced that when cost of conversion is discounted with the cost of operation of CNG, a quick return on the capital investment will be obtained”.
“The conversion and refueling centres also offer opportunities for employment for our youths in this technical and commercial arena, and we urge them to embrace them to fulfil our mantra of shared prosperity. In fact, forty-five Ekiti indigenes were trained for one week at the NADDC automotive centre about a fortnight ago, and we are delighted that that centre along Ilawe Road is the first government-certified conversion centre”.
Oyebanji said the State is therefore enthusiastically supporting President Tinubu’s PCNGI initiative and embracing the use of CNG adding that “our CNG effort began with our partnership with Ekiti IPP Ltd to use CNG to power our 3MW independent power facility which has been effectively operating 24/7 since November 2023, and which we hope will be expanded soon to provide even more reliable electricity to more residents in Ado-Ekiti and beyond in several months to come”.
He urged all and sundry, particularly commercial operators, including tricycles, to consider converting their vehicles for CNG use, or adopting them altogether, assuring them of adequate provision of conversion and refueling centres in the State.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive/National Program Director of Pi-CNG, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi explained that the CNG initiative is a well-thought scheme aimed at cushioning the effect of the removal of the oil subsidy without jeopardizing the future generations.
According to him, Nigeria has a proven natural gas reserve of about 206.53 trillion cubic feet and the CNG option is cheaper, safer, more reliable and cleaner for the environment, so that the nation’s economy can be put back on the path of sustainability.
Oluwagbemi said that target include reduction in transportation cost and commodities prices with the aim of impacting positively on socio-economy of the people, stressing that it would definitely positively affect the cost of energy, reduce exposure to fuel importation, promote cleaner energy, and encourage industrialization.
He urged all stakeholders to key into the program, noting that there is adequate arrangement for conversion and refueling centres adding that the scheme would also provide employment opportunities for youths in the country.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye; Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde; Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin; and the Onisin of Isinbode Ekiti, Oba Adesoji Akinyemi as well as several members of the State Executive Council; State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Comrade Joseph Falope; State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Adeola amongst others.