In a bid mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, who were struggling with rising transportation costs, President Bola Tinubu had in 2024 launched the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), offering a ray of hope but the scheme has faced sabotage.
The initiative aimed to offer a cost-effective alternative to petrol by providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at a subsidized rate of N230 per litre, Persecondnews had reported.
The programme generated significant excitement among commercial drivers in Abuja in September 2024. It was designed to deliver cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy, particularly for mass transit. The initiative is part of a broader effort to transition towards cleaner energy sources and reduce the country’s reliance on petrol.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Project Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), announced that one million free CNG conversion kits would be distributed to commercial vehicles nationwide, complete with free installation.
The introduction of the Presidential CNG Initiative was anticipated to bring relief to the general public by making transportation more affordable and accessible.
Five months after the launch of the Presidential CNG Initiative, the expected benefits have yet to materialize. Contrary to its intended purpose, commercial drivers are now facing increased commuting costs.
The CNG kits, initially promised to be free, have become a profitable venture for certain high-ranking members of the national union of road workers. As a result, drivers are now compelled to secure loans or rely on relatives to acquire the kits, undermining the initiative’s objective.
The Pi-CNG initiative, once touted as a groundbreaking solution, has transformed into a lucrative opportunity for a select group, leaving Nigerians questioning whether the promise of affordable transportation will ever be fulfilled.
The CNG initiative, initially introduced with high expectations, has become a source of distress for commercial drivers in Abuja. Contrary to assurances of complimentary conversion kits, drivers are now being compelled to pay substantial fees, leading to widespread frustration and disappointment.
Commercial driver Fola Akinwumi recounted his experience to a Persecondnews correspondent, stating: “One of my colleagues, who operates the Berger-Kuje route, converted to CNG in late January. Within two weeks, he was earning more than I was, simply because his fuel expenses were significantly lower.”
Akinwumi continued: “I became interested in converting my vehicle as well, so I approached my park chairman to inquire about the process. He informed me that I needed to submit certain requirements.”
According to him, he was asked to provide his owner’s name, engine type, NIN, phone number, year of manufacture, model, vehicle registration number, color of vehicle, and chassis/VIN number.
“He told me that the conversion kits cost above N700,000, but with his influence, I should bring N500,000. I had to take a loan from my association to get the kits. Since then, business has been smooth,” he said.
However, when our correspondent informed Akinwumi that the initiative was supposed to be free, he expressed surprise, saying “Nigerians are the problems of Nigeria.
Another driver, Emmanuel Agim, echoed Akinwumi’s sentiments, regretting: “Some of us spent so much to acquire these kits. If we reduce the transportation cost, how will we recover our money?”
Persecondnews also visited one of the conversion centres in AMAC, where an engineer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed the inner workings of the initiative.
“We converted many cars, mostly painted taxis. We work alongside the park or union heads who give us names of eligible commercial drivers in batches.
“In a few hours, their cars are ready. We convert the cars for them and also fill the tank for free so they can test it and see that it’s real and a better energy alternative.”
The engineer claimed that the initiative is ongoing in Kuje, with many drivers in that axis having their vehicles converted. “They speak highly of the initiative and how cost-efficient it is.”
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
In an interview with a union head at Area 1 Park, he confirmed that the CNG rollout is indeed underway in major parks across the FCT.
He revealed that many drivers in his park have embraced the initiative, saying “we have so many of our drivers running on CNG most especially painted taxis.”
However, he acknowledged that a handful of drivers still have some reservations about CNG, stating “some are still afraid of CNG because of the recent stories about CNG cars exploding.”
The union head has vehemently denied allegations that union leaders are collecting unauthorized fees from drivers participating in the Presidential CNG Initiative. This comes amid concerns that some individuals may be taking advantage of the programme, which aims to provide affordable and cleaner energy solutions for Nigerians.
Despite the conversion to CNG by most drivers, the cost of transportation still remains high.
For instance, the cost of a trip from Berger to Kuje has shot up to N1300, while from Mpape to Berger, the fare has been increased from N500 to N800, and from Maraba to Ministry of Finance Junction, it now costs N800.
Bassey Okon, a taxi driver, shared his experience, reiterating the sentiments of his colleagues.
“It was about three weeks after I converted that somebody told me I could have done it for free, as long as I had my union ID card and park registration receipt.
“But somebody from the union collected money from me to switch. I cannot reduce the fare; how do I recover the money I borrowed?”
Okon appealed to the government to monitor the process thoroughly, warning that the initiative could turn into a pain for drivers and the masses.
“Another thing I want to beg the government is to introduce more gas stations to reduce the queue. Right now, we spend hours in the queue to get gas.”
Commuters and drivers have expressed concerns that the Presidential CNG Initiative, initially designed to provide affordable transportation, has been hijacked by opportunistic individuals seeking to profit from it.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains uncertain whether the government will step in to address these concerns and ensure that the initiative delivers on its promise of affordable transportation for the masses.
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