The Presidential Compress Natural Gas Initiative has announced the commencement of the nationwide Mass Transit Conversion Program.

The announcement was made at the launch of the conversion and refueling site in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

According to a statement, the initiative aims to convert mass transit vehicles to cleaner energy sources, significantly reducing emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

The initial phase of the conversion program will be initiated in Lagos, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers States. 

This phase will be executed in partnership with major transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners.

To ensure the success of the program, the rollout will commence in eight of over 120 designated conversion workshop sites, after which the key union partners, will have the opportunity to observe, evaluate the conversion process, and provide valuable feedback as the initiative plans to scale up operations across 15 states over the next 45 days.

The rollout will be backed by a 50 per cent discount on equipment and kit costs, and support to qualified union members for installation cost.