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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has marked another milestone in its clean energy drive with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) set to convert its diesel-powered locomotives and operational vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
This move, according to the NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, represents a major step toward ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the nation’s railway system.
Dr. Opeifa made this known during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NRC and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), held at the Mobolaji Johnson Mega Station in Yaba, Lagos, over the weekend. The agreement seeks to deepen CNG adoption across the country, especially in key transportation sectors.
The NRC boss described the partnership as a fitting tribute to the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to transitioning from conventional fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives.
He emphasized that this initiative stems from the federal government’s strategic response to the removal of the petrol subsidy, which had previously imposed a significant financial burden on the nation.
Highlighting the significance of the shift, Opeifa stated that the use of CNG would help reduce the carbon footprint of railway operations, lower the rising cost of food driven by high fuel prices, and ultimately stimulate the economy.
“This partnership signifies a new chapter in sustainable rail transportation,” he said. “Rail remains the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transporting goods and passengers. By adopting CNG, we are not only enhancing our efficiency but also contributing to the global push for climate responsibility.”
He noted that the transition to CNG would reduce maintenance costs by 60 to 70 percent, improve air quality, and lessen the railway’s dependence on petrol and diesel. More importantly, it will stimulate economic activity by creating jobs and enabling substantial savings.
“This collaboration alone is projected to save the corporation between ₦50 million and ₦100 million monthly, amounting to ₦1.2 billion annually—resources that can be redirected toward other critical areas,” Opeifa added.
- The NRC-Pi-CNG collaboration will target four core areas: Conversion of diesel-powered locomotives and equipment – retrofitting all diesel generators and operational vehicles across NRC offices.
- Training of technicians – equipping students at NRC’s training centers with skills in CNG conversion technology.
- Distribution of CNG-powered vehicles and kits – facilitating the nationwide spread of CNG tricycles and conversion kits.
- Deployment of CNG buses – introducing CNG-powered buses for last-mile shuttle services, thereby improving intermodal mobility at railway stations.
Dr. Opeifa also commended the Pi-CNG for its practical support, including the donation of a CNG-powered bus and branding of NRC coaches to promote awareness of the initiative. These contributions, he said, not only enhance operational efficiency but also showcase the government’s vision of a greener transportation sector.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of the Pi-CNG, reported that the number of CNG-propelled vehicles in Nigeria has more than doubled—from fewer than 50,000 last year to over 100,000.
He reiterated the programme’s ambitious target of converting at least 250,000 vehicles in the short term and achieving the presidential goal of one million commercial vehicle conversions by the year 2026.
The event underscored the administration’s forward-thinking approach to energy and transportation, highlighting how strategic partnerships can foster innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in national infrastructure.