The Nigerian government has begun a free programme to convert petrol-powered commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Ibadan and Zaria, as part of efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce fuel costs after the removal of subsidies.

In Ibadan, around 100 vehicles were converted at three locations, including a Mobil filling station on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and two other sites in the city.

Louisa Afu, Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG initiative, said the project aims to help vehicle owners cut costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Afu noted that the initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s push for sustainable energy, would expand to other regions. “Gas is cheaper, more sustainable, and safer,” she said, adding that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves made CNG a viable alternative to petrol.

Local transport officials praised the programme as a positive step for the sector, though some, like CNG user Sowole Jayeola, called for further reductions in conversion costs to encourage more widespread adoption.

In Zaria, the government also launched its CNG initiative, starting with 50 vehicles. Dauda Suleiman, Team Lead at the National Institute for Transport Technology Centre, said the conversion kits were being provided for free to commercial drivers in the region.