Nigerian Army flags off conversion from Petrol to CNG vehicles
By Nokai Origin, Abuja
The Nigerian Army (NA) says it has taken a proactive step to align with the Federal Government’s policy on subsidy by participating in the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) program.
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, approximately 30 operational vehicles would undergo conversion from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)/ petrol-powered engines to environmentally friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the pilot phase of the programme.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Fleet auto switch kick-off programme, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja represented by the Chief of Logistics (Army) Major General Erema Akerejola, emphasized the importance of the NA’s involvement in the initiative citing the large fleet of operational vehicles and other requirements.
He said 30 operational vehicles using PMS would be converted during the pilot phase and 22 personnel would be trained on the process of conversion.
He further disclosed that the NA is willing to cooperate maximally and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’id Alkali, disclosed that the objective of the programme was to promote the adoption of CNG as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative fuel for mobility within the Nigerian Army fleet.
He expressed optimism that the outcome will enhance cost effectiveness and boost operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.
The Project Co-ordinator, PCNGI, Engineer Micheal Oluwagbemi described the NA as one of the finest institutions in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the coming on board of the NA is a major milestone, considering its large fleet of operational vehicles.
He noted that NA’s effort has demonstrated a ‘forward-thinking approach showcasing the NA’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency’.
