An Indian team of skilled technical engineers has reached Ogun State, commencing the vehicle conversion project, shifting them from traditional fuel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The wheels are in motion for the state government’s E-Mobility and Gas Mobility Programme, embarking on the conversion of mass transit buses to gas and promoting the use of electric power for tricycles and motorcycles.
The pilot project’s responsibility rests on a capable team of four technical professionals, who will not only initiate the first phase of the Gas Mobility Programme but also design a step-by-step process to gradually implement it on all commercial buses statewide.
A noteworthy recollection brings to mind the events of March this year when the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government, in partnership with Nigerian Transport Solutions Limited (NGTSL), successfully procured CNG conversion kits for the pilot phase of the state’s mass transit buses, thus paving the way for CNG-powered transportation.
By spearheading the CNG project, the administration accentuates its strong resolve to cultivate a cleaner economy and ensure economically viable transportation options within the state, especially following the Federal Government’s withdrawal of fuel subsidies in May.
Read also: Ogun: Mother Strangled To Death By Drug Addict Son
In a statement shared with the media in Abeokuta, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), affirmed that the Indian engineers are currently commencing the conversion process for vehicles.
As part of Prince Abiodun’s promise to initiate the project in the first week of August, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) stated that the state’s mass transit buses are on track to run on CNG within the next few days.
‘The CNG team are on the ground. I was part of the team that received the CNG kits on behalf of the government early in the year and I visited the project site this morning (Tuesday). His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun is a man of his word and such a highly progressive Governor deserves all necessary support for Ogun State to continue to progress.’
‘The aim is to improve and modernise bus operations in Ogun State through conversion of buses to Compressed Natural Gas by equipping them with the latest technology to improve environmental and operational performance.’
‘Moreover, the newly fitted buses are expected to improve public transportation reliability, safety and efficiency and reduce polluting air emissions. The pilot project will commence with the conversion of twenty buses from diesel to CNG and exploring the performance before rolling out the programme,’ he said.
Alongside their primary responsibilities, the technical team has indicated its dedication to training local auto mechanics and technicians in CNG conversion, as reported by SSG’s statement.
The SSG stressed that this undertaking will play a pivotal role in transferring technology know-how and, in turn, foster job creation for the burgeoning youth population of the state.
The planned conversion process, estimated to take four to six weeks, will involve both the Bus Mass Transit buses in operation at Abeokuta and the newly introduced buses designated to serve the Mowe-Berger axis.
According to Talabi, the scheme’s objective is to alleviate the hardships faced by the state’s residents due to subsidy removal by offering transportation at a lower cost.