By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

Stakeholders in the transportation industry have commended the Federal Government over its push for increased usage of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, as an alternative fuel for vehicles in the country, predicting that the move would lead to significant drop in fare paid by passengers.

The operators involved in the conversion of vehicles with CNG kits, rideshare companies and CNG station owners said the initiative by the government would reduce fuel cost by over 70 percent.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of MyCNG App, the Managing Director, Portland Gas Limited, Mr Folajimi Lai Mohammed said the adoption of CNG has become a game-changer for the sector.

According to him, the adoption of CNG as a fuel option is gaining momentum in Nigeria, and for good reason. “CNG offers a multitude of benefits that make it an attractive alternative to traditional fuels,” he said.

One of the most significant advantages of CNG, according to Mohammed, is its environmental benefits. “CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing significantly fewer emissions and pollutants than traditional fuels. This makes it an ideal choice for reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint and promoting a healthier environment.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, Mohammed noted that CNG is also a more cost-effective fuel option. “CNG is generally cheaper than traditional fuels, making it an attractive choice for drivers and businesses looking to reduce their fuel costs.”

While also highlighting the Presidential CNG Initiative, PCNGi, and the RideShare CNG Conversion Incentive Programme which offers substantial incentives for ride-share drivers to convert their vehicles to CNG, he noted that “this programme not only reduces emissions but also provides economic benefits to drivers and ride-share companies.”

To further facilitate the adoption of CNG, Mohammed announced the launch of the MyCNG App, a user-friendly platform providing real-time information on CNG stations, fuel prices, and conversion centers.

He explained that the “app provides real-time information on CNG stations, fuel prices, and conversion centers, making it easier than ever for drivers to embrace this cleaner, more cost-effective fuel option”.

Also speaking at the event, the Abuja Manager, Bolt, Bernard Bulus, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the CNG initiative, pointing out that drivers were often very worried about the cost of fueling which represents about 70 percent of their cost of operation.

“And so this initiative is a very well-developed initiative. But for us in the ride-sharing sector, the cost of fuel accounts for about 60% to 70% of the total running costs that our drivers incur. And this particular initiative is really a welcome initiative because our drivers will go back home now more profitable”.

On his part, the representative of Uber, Temitope Arulo said the reduction in the cost of operation would be passed on to their passengers in the form of lower fare.