In a bid to address the growing transportation challenges in Lagos State, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has introduced 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles, valued at ₦10.2 billion.
The goal is to provide more affordable transportation options and reduce the financial stress on residents, particularly due expensive fuel prices.
Alhaji Azeez Abiola, the Zonal Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria under the NURTW, led the unveiling of the new CNG tricycles on Wednesday.
He stated that this new fleet of CNG-powered vehicles would bring great relief to both operators and commuters by slashing the daily operational costs for tricyclists. According to him, what previously cost around ₦15,000 in fuel expenses can now be reduced to as low as ₦2,500 to ₦3,000 with CNG tricycles.
With these 3,000 tricycles set to begin operations in Lagos, Abiola emphasised the project’s prospects to create over 5,000 jobs, benefitting drivers and technicians involved in maintaining and converting the tricycles to run on CNG.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s support, aligning with national goals to promote cleaner energy solutions and alleviate the economic burden on citizens.
However, Abiola pointed out some logistical challenges, notably the limited availability of CNG refuelling stations. Currently, only one station exists in Agidingbi, Ikeja, while most operators are based in areas such as Alagbado, Agege, and Ifako-Ijaiye.
He urged the government to consider establishing more refuelling points closer to these operational routes and to relax restrictions on tricycles using these routes to ease access to refuelling stations.
The introduction of CNG tricycles is part of the government’s initiative aimed at encouraging the use of alternative fuels to tackle the high costs of traditional petrol.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) offers incentives for commercial vehicle owners to convert their vehicles to CNG, with a view towards reducing transportation costs and supporting a cleaner environment.
Despite initial issues over the safety of CNG, experts have reassured the public that the conversion process, when done at certified centres, is safe. These vehicles are built with reinforced cylinders and automatic shut-off sensors to ensure operational safety.
