FG plans 800 airport taxi vehicles conversion to CNG

• Published On: 30 October 2024 at 17:35

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, has reached an agreement with taxi operators at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.


This collaboration aims to convert 800 petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, which is expected to reduce shuttle fares by 30%.


Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and CEO of P-CNGI, announced the agreement at a signing ceremony on Tuesday.


He emphasized that this initiative is part of the administration's larger goal of converting one million commercial vehicles to CNG, which promotes a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation solution.


Oluwagbemi, represented by the Programme Execution Coordinator, Mr. Folarin Oworo, explained that airport taxi operators currently manage a fleet of 800 vehicles. He stated that the 30% fare reduction would be implemented once 50% of the fleet, or approximately 400 vehicles, had been converted to CNG.



"The airport taxi operators have a fleet of about 800 vehicles, and we have agreed that once we reach 50% conversion, which is approximately 400 vehicles, a 30% discount will be implemented immediately.


"There are various prices based on the distance one is travelling, so the 30% will be applied accordingly based on the current prices for the areas one is going," said the minister.


He also stated that a rate card detailing prices and discounts will be provided in each vehicle, tailored to the passenger's destination.


Regular monitoring will ensure compliance and effective implementation of the fare reduction initiative.


Oluwagbemi emphasized that the P-CNGI has formed partnerships with accredited conversion centers in Abuja to help taxi operators make the transition to CNG as smoothly and efficiently as possible.


He stated that when the program began a year ago, there was only one operational refilling station in Abuja; this number has since grown to seven, with more stations under development. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is actively processing approvals to increase capacity.


Addressing safety concerns, he stated that explosions are typically caused by illegal installations using substandard cylinders.


The initiative requires the use of only SON-certified, bulletproof cylinders, which are designed to withstand damage and explosions if not tampered with or improperly modified.


To improve efficiency, Oluwagbemi stated that the program offers 65- and 75-liter cylinders to shorten refill times.


Plans are also being developed to introduce different sizes and shapes to accommodate various vehicle and cargo needs.


Airport Taxi Operators spokesman Aliyu Abdulaziz-Aliyu praised the initiative and thanked the federal government for providing the conversion service at no cost.


He expressed confidence that the transition to compressed natural gas would significantly reduce operational costs and result in lower airport passenger fares.