Steel Development Minister lauds Nigerian Army as it flags off CNG operational vehicles
*…says FG committed to transitioning to sustainable, cost-effective energy*
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has commended the Nigerian Army on the flag off of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles for its operation geared at promoting CNG as an alternative fuel for mobility within the Nigerian Army Fleet.
Prince Audu made this known while attending the inaugural ceremony of the Nigerian Army Fleet Auto Switch Kick-off Programme on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Nigerian Army Fleet Auto Switch pilot programme is spearheaded by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), the Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), and the Nigerian Army in Abuja, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to transition to a more sustainable and cost-efficient source of energy.
The Minister of Steel Development stated in his remarks that the initiative is a fulfilment of commitments of the’renewed hope’ administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy on Nigerians.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Army, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), the Ministry of Transportation, and the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) on the laudable initiative.
“This goes to demonstrate the commitments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to easing the plights of citizens as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, and to join the rest of the world in transitioning towards green, sustainable, and cost-effective sources of energy.
“As stakeholders in P-CNGi, the Ministry of Steel Development also has plans for a proposed CNG park within the territories of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
“The CNG Park to be located in ASCL will benefit from existing infrastructure, like the natural gas line from Warri to Ajaokuta, the Metallurgical Training Centre, the engineering workshops, and the 10,000 housing estates in Ajaokuta environs, amongst other amenities,” Audu stated.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, stated that the objective of the event was to promote the adoption of CNG as an environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to fuel for mobility, particularly within the Nigerian Army.
Alkali stated that “I am optimistic that the outcomes of this event will boost the operational spirit of the Nigerian Army in all its formations and commands within the country.
“As part of the broader objectives of the initiative, it is designed to drive down and manage transportation costs for Nigerians by utilising the cheaper gas alternative that is abundant, but currently underutilised in Nigeria’.
Director-General of the NITT, Dr. Bayero Farrah, noted that the gradual switch by the Nigerian Army is a very significant step that will ultimately boost the security situation in the country, as well as inspire other agencies of government to gradually start converting their operational vehicles to CNG.
“Let me assure you that NITT will continue to do its best towards the realisation of the Nigerian auto gas project,” Farrah said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Toareed Lagbaja in his address expressed the full support of the Army to Mr. President on the CNG initiative, noting that the conversion of 30 operational vehicles in the Army Fleet to CNG was just the pilot phase.
Lagbaja stated that subsequently, the Army Engineers and Technicians who have been trained at NITT would continue the process to ensure that over 50% of their fleet will be CNG based.
Lizzy OKoji
S.A Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development.
March 21, 2024