The Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo J. Osanipin, on Friday, 4th October 2024, joined the Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative (pi-CNG), Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Ekiti State Government officials and traditional rulers for the official launch of the Conversion Incentive Program (CIP).
The event, held in Ado-Ekiti, also featured the signing of a partnership agreement with accredited technicians and workshop owners, alongside the handing over of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Ekiti State transport unions and other stakeholders.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Osanipin congratulated the people of Ekiti State for the privilege of hosting the Presidential CNG Initiative program, which according to him is a key component of the Federal Government’s palliative measures under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to alleviating the transitional hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
CNG technology offers safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective solutions for transportation, and Ekiti State is at the forefront of this transformation,” he remarked.
The NADDC helmsman also emphasized the strong synergy between the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Presidential CNG Initiative.
He reassured transport unions and the general public of the safety and efficiency of CNG-powered vehicles, while also highlighting the availability of conversion kits and components to ease the transition to CNG.
Present at the launch were Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, Hon. Commissioner for Transport, Ekiti State; and Prof. Mobilaji Aluko, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Infrastructure.
The traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido, and HRM Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, along with other esteemed royal fathers. Members of Ekiti’s road transportation unions and automotive technicians were also on hand to witness the historic occasion.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (pi-CNG) is part of a broader strategy to transform Nigeria’s automotive sector by reducing dependence on petrol.
The Conversion Incentive Program will play a critical role in this effort by ensuring that automotive technicians and workshop owners are equipped and certified to support the transition to CNG-powered vehicles.
