The Cross River state government, on Thursday, officially inaugurated a pilot conversion and training centre aimed at facilitating the conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the region.
This initiative is designed to support the government’s CNG program and alleviate the financial impact of fuel subsidy removal by lowering transportation expenses.
While commissioning the CNG vehicle and training facility in Calabar, Cross River’s governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rtd Hon Peter Odey, remarked that this centre is the largest of its kind in Nigeria, establishing a new benchmark for CNG vehicle conversion and technician training.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) is part of the relief measures from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to assist the public facing the challenges following the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
During his keynote address, Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), represented by Head of Commercial Tosin Coker, highlighted that adopting CNG is a pivotal step toward diversifying the transportation sector away from oil dependency.
Oluwagbemi emphasized that the CNG centre represents a pathway to a more environmentally sustainable and economically thriving future for Nigeria.
Chairman of the Board of Directors at Blue Stone Gas and Power Limited, Oludamola Akindolire, encouraged Nigerians to view the conversion of vehicles to CNG as a fresh start, affirming Blue Stone’s commitment to promoting clean energy based on sustainability and integrity.
He noted, “We can convert up to 40 vehicles daily here—an unprecedented achievement in the country. As part of our immediate strategy to provide relief to Nigerians, we aim to establish a daughter station within the next six months and utilize a mobile system to transport CNG to power vehicles in the meantime.
“This facility will not only convert vehicles but also has the capability to fill gas tanks using mobile systems. We have plans to introduce three mobile CNG dispensers to enhance operations, which will evolve into mother-and-daughter stations across the state. We also aim to expand the gas infrastructure throughout the state.”
Dr. Justin Beshel, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, mentioned that the PCNGi brought 500 conversion kits to the state at no charge and highlighted that the center is equipped with advanced facilities, including 13 pits for efficient vehicle conversion and hydraulic car lifts for safe maintenance.
He also noted that the training center can host around 100 technician trainees simultaneously, providing practical experience and individualized instruction, alongside a dedicated section for tricycle conversion and maintenance.
“The training programs receive certification from prestigious organizations like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), as well as international bodies, ensuring that the technicians we train adhere to global standards,” he explained.
Goodwill messages of support for the initiative came from the Nigeria Automobile Technician Association (NATA) Cross River State Council and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PCNGi, Blue Stone Gas and Power Limited, and the state government, officially designating Calabar as a center for CNG vehicle conversion and technician training.
Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Nigerian Tribune
