FG to Sanction Transporters for Inflating Prices Despite Free CNG Conversion

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government said yesterday that it was closely monitoring the activities of public transport vehicle owners who had been inflating their fares despite receiving free conversion of their vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) office which has been coordinating the activities of the programme to ensure the use of the alternative fuel, said it had been inundated with several petitions from the public on the activities of the transport owners.

The CNG initiative, a programme which the Bola Tinubu administration says is key to ensuring that Nigerians switch to cheaper alternative sources of energy for powering their vehicles, has gulped over  $450 million, mostly in private funding.

According to the PCNGI, in a statement, the non-compliance with the agreed fare structures by some transport operators, remains a matter of concern which is being addressed appropriately.

“The introduction of CNG conversion incentives under the PCNGI was designed to alleviate the burden of high fuel costs by enabling commercial drivers to transition from petrol and diesel to compressed natural gas at no cost.

“It is therefore disappointing and unacceptable that certain stakeholders within the transport sector are acting against the initiative’s goals by imposing fare structures that contradict its purpose. To support a smooth and affordable transition, PCNGI established a Conversion Incentive Programme, which registers authorised conversion centres under its supervision.

“These centres work closely with PCNGI to ensure that commercial vehicles benefit from the free conversion scheme for commercial vehicle operators. In addition, PCNGI, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has been engaging actively with transport unions to ensure that all commercial drivers can access these free conversions.

“In recent times and to further streamline the process, the initiative launched the ’10 for 10’ Initiative where field agents visit commercial transport parks in Abuja and Lagos to sign up vehicles for free conversions. This proactive approach ensures that more drivers can benefit from the program without facing unnecessary barriers when exclusively required to go through their unions.

“PCNGI is also intensifying its monitoring efforts to ensure strict adherence to the approved fare structures and ensure no union is charging members to access this palliative. Any operator or stakeholder found violating these terms will face appropriate sanctions,” it stated.

It encouraged commercial drivers to report any challenges in accessing the free conversions via designated channels or by calling the PCNGI helpline at 07000000264.

The office added that new measures were also being introduced to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance, ensuring that the intended benefits reach drivers and the general public. It noted that PCNGI was working diligently with partners to expand refueling infrastructure and establish more conversion centres.

“This will increase accessibility for commercial drivers and improve gas supply availability, further promoting the adoption of CNG as a sustainable and affordable fuel alternative.

“As a transparent and accountable initiative, PCNGI welcomes continued engagement with the media, stakeholders, and the public to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of this groundbreaking initiative which is a fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to make the lives of all Nigerians better.

 “We call on all partners to work together in good faith to uphold the principles of affordability, sustainability, and accountability,” the PCNGI office added.