Source: Businessday NG
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has partnered with Rolling Energy to convert 100,000 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within 18 months. This initiative aims to reduce operational costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while contributing to Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
At the launch of a CNG Conversion and Training Centre in Abuja, SMEDAN’s Director-General, Dr. Charles Odii, described the project as a strategic move to assist SMEs in adapting to changing energy demands. The center, which has the capacity to convert nine vehicles daily, also offers training to young Nigerians in CNG conversion, maintenance, and repair, creating fresh economic opportunities.
“This project is part of SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy, which offers SMEs guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce development,” Odii stated. He pointed out that the switch to CNG helps businesses save costs, particularly following the increase in fuel prices after the removal of fuel subsidies.
As part of the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), Nigeria has a goal of converting one million vehicles to CNG within a year. SMEDAN has pledged to achieve 10% of this target through its centers.
Toyin Zubair, Executive Vice Chairman of Pi-CNG, emphasized the economic and environmental advantages of CNG, highlighting Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves and its potential to fuel vehicles and industries affordably. Mubarak Danbatta, CEO of Rolling Energy, noted that fueling a vehicle with CNG costs less than N4,000, in stark contrast to the over N60,000 required for petrol, offering significant financial relief to SMEs.
This initiative not only places SMEs at the center of Nigeria’s energy transition but also promotes skills development and sustainable economic growth.
