“Federal Government Launches Initiative to Convert 800 Airport Taxis to Compressed Natural Gas, Promises 30% Fare Reduction”

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), has signed an agreement with taxi operators at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to convert 800 vehicles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative aims to reduce shuttle fares by 30%.

During the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of P-CNGI, highlighted the alignment of this conversion project with the administration’s goal of transitioning one million commercial vehicles to CNG. The fare reduction will take effect once 50% of the fleet—approximately 400 vehicles—has been converted.

“The airport taxi operators manage a fleet of 800 vehicles, and we have agreed that once we hit 50% conversion, which is about 400 vehicles, a 30% discount will be implemented immediately,” Oluwagbemi stated. He added that a rate card reflecting the discounts will be made available in vehicles based on passenger destinations, ensuring compliance through regular monitoring.

Oluwagbemi noted that P-CNGI has partnered with accredited conversion centers to facilitate the transition in Abuja. He mentioned that the number of CNG refilling stations in the capital has grown from one to seven since the program’s launch a year ago, with more stations under development as approvals continue.

Addressing safety concerns, Oluwagbemi assured that the initiative uses only SON-certified, bulletproof cylinders that minimize explosion risks. The program also plans to provide 65- and 75-liter cylinders to enhance refilling efficiency.

Taxi operators expressed gratitude for the initiative. Spokesman Aliyu Abdulaziz-Aliyu commended the government for offering free conversion services and expressed optimism about reduced operational costs and lower fares for passengers.

Industry stakeholders, including Yunus Ismail of Salma Auto CNG, confirmed their readiness to assist in the fleet conversion, while Emmanuel Ike, Secretary of Exodus Motors, called for an expansion of CNG refilling stations to meet the rising demand and ensure uninterrupted operations.

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