PICNG steps up media awareness campaign on CNG adoption in Rivers
PICNG steps up media awareness campaign on CNG adoption in Rivers
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PICNG-EV) has intensified public awareness efforts, promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, safer and more affordable fuel alternative for transportation.
Mr Tosin Coker, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PICNG-EV, said this during a media awareness and sensitisation programme organised for journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Coker said the initiative was designed to educate journalists and the public on the use of natural gas in transportation and the Federal Government’s drive to promote the nationwide adoption of CNG.
He explained that petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles could be converted to run on CNG through the installation of conversion kits and storage tanks, allowing motorists to switch between conventional fuels and gas.
According to him, motorists are encouraged to use CNG more frequently after conversion because it is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and beneficial to vehicle engines.
Coker distinguished between CNG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), noting that LNG-powered vehicles are mostly factory-fitted and commonly used for heavy-duty transportation, such as trucks and rail systems.
He said the Federal Government’s support for the initiative was driven by the removal of petrol subsidies and the need to provide Nigerians with a cheaper and more sustainable alternative fuel source.
The PICNG-EV official stated that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves made CNG less vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions that often affect petrol and diesel prices.
He noted that while petrol and diesel prices had witnessed frequent adjustments in recent months, CNG prices had remained relatively stable.
Coker disclosed that government ministries, departments and agencies were being encouraged to convert their vehicle fleets to CNG or procure CNG-powered vehicles to reduce transportation costs.
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He said more than 100,000 vehicles had been converted to CNG across the country, adding that the initiative was expanding awareness campaigns and infrastructure development in Rivers State.
On safety concerns, Coker described CNG as a hydrocarbon that was flammable under certain conditions but maintained that its high ignition temperature makes it safer than many people assume.
He revealed that Rivers currently has between seven and eight accredited CNG conversion centres certified by the National Automotive Design and Development Council, with plans to approve additional centres.
Also speaking, Mr Opeyemi Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Initiative, said the training was aimed at improving media practitioners’ understanding of the oil and gas industry to enhance accurate and balanced reporting.
Balogun said the Port Harcourt programme was the third in a series of engagements that began in 2025, following similar sessions in Lagos and Abuja.
He stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing for journalists in the Niger Delta region.
He urged journalists to prioritise accuracy and avoid sensationalism in reporting incidents within the sector, while reaffirming the initiative’s commitment to continuous engagement with media professionals to promote informed and responsible reporting.
