A France-based Nigerian forensic investigator and management consultant, Dr. Yusuf Aliu, has urged the Federal Government to extend the distribution of free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits to include agrarian states. This call is aimed at reducing the high transportation costs that contribute to rising food prices in Nigeria.
Currently, the Federal Government is rolling out free CNG conversion kits to one million commercial vehicles across eight states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna—and the Federal Capital Territory under the Presidential Initiative on CNG. However, Aliu expressed concern that key agricultural states such as Benue, Niger, Taraba, Kebbi, and Plateau are not included in this programme despite their significant role in Nigeria’s food production.
Aliu highlighted that the exclusion of these agrarian states limits the potential of the CNG initiative to address food security challenges. He argued that extending the CNG conversion programme to these regions would help reduce the high cost of transporting agricultural produce, thereby supporting the government’s goal of ensuring food security nationwide.
The expert emphasized the need for the Presidential Initiative on CNG to collaborate with local governments, cooperatives, and transportation unions in these agricultural zones to raise awareness and facilitate the adoption of CNG technology. This, he believes, would enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain and support the country’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil.
In addition to the free conversion kits, the Federal Government has also launched a credit scheme, the Credit Access for Light and Mobility Fund (CALM Fund), to provide affordable credit for converting vehicles to CNG and adopting solar energy solutions. This initiative is expected to help households and businesses manage escalating transportation and energy expenses.
