The Nigerian Police Force is to be equipped with Compressed Natural Gas, CNG technology and skills set to make its fleet and personnel CNG enabled.
A Memorandum of Agreement to that effect was signed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu confirmed that the agreement was to take effect immediately.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering leadership and commitment to the safety and progress of Nigeria in the area of energy security.
Mr. Sheidu further stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) represents not just a formal agreement, but a testament to what can be achieved through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for a brighter future for Nigeria.
He said; “Mr. President is deeply aware of the hardships facing Nigerians, particularly the rising transportation costs. He has made it clear that while we must confront these challenges head-on, we must also seek out innovative solutions that will ease the burden on the common man and ensure long-term sustainability.”
According to Mr. Sheidu, by transitioning the police fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), they are not only creating a more efficient and cost-effective operational model for the Nigeria Police Force but also setting a precedent for broader adoption of this clean energy source across the nation.
He said; “CNG offers a cleaner, cheaper alternative to traditional fuels, and this initiative will play a crucial role in reducing the overall cost of transportation, directly benefiting everyday Nigerians.”
“One of the central goals of this partnership is to empower our people—our police officers, mechanics, and technical teams. With PCNG’s support, we will train and equip a select group of police mechanics with the technical expertise required to convert police vehicles from traditional fuels to CNG.
This training will enable them to handle conversions, maintain CNG vehicles, and provide ongoing support, ultimately reducing operational costs while enhancing the skills of our personnel.”
The Executive Secretary said; ”the process is not just a one-time initiative; but an investment in the future of the police force.”
“By building in-house capacity and creating self-sufficient teams, we are ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force is equipped to handle the evolving demands of the future. This effort will go beyond vehicle conversions and lay the foundation for broader technical development within the force, creating opportunities for continuous skills improvement,” he said.
He said; “the second pillar of the partnership focuses on establishing the necessary infrastructure to sustain and expand the use of CNG within the Police force.
“By leveraging the strategic locations of our police workshops and stations, we will work closely with PCNG to set up fully equipped conversion centers across the country. These centers will serve as hubs for converting and maintaining police vehicles, creating an operational framework for a gradual transition to a CNG-powered fleet.”
In his response, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative Programme Director, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi said the signing of the cooperation agreement represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the Nigeria Police Force.
He said; “Through this collaboration, we will not only deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport solutions for the Nigeria Police Force but also establish conversion centers and training programs to ensure the successful integration of these technologies.
“We believe that the use of CNG will significantly reduce operational costs, enhance energy security, and contribute to a cleaner environment, aligning with national goals for energy diversification. But beyond the technology itself, this partnership is about empowerment. By building technical capacity within the police force, we will ensure that officers are equipped with the skills needed to maintain and operate these systems effectively.”
The Nigerian government has adopted the Compressed Natural Gas energy solution as an alternative to the high cost of energy that has engulfed the country since the removal of subsidy on petrol products by the authorities over a year ago.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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