Govt launches CNG app for e-hailing cab operators

The Federal Government has introduced a Compressed Natural Gas application for e-hailing cab operators after slashing the amount required for the conversion of e-hailing petrol-powered vehicles to start running on Compressed Natural Gas by 50 per cent.

It said this was part of efforts aimed at ensuring the use of CNG to ease transportation and reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel in Nigeria, as it assured e-hailing service drivers that they would get 50 per cent discount by using the newly introduced MyCNG App for their transport business.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, while speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the Rideshare CNG Conversion Incentive Programme and MyCNG App, said the initiative reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable transportation for Nigerians.

“The rideshare sector is a vital part of our urban transportation system, providing flexible and cost-effective mobility solutions to millions of Nigerians, particularly our youth. However, the rising costs of traditional fuels have posed a significant challenge to both drivers and passengers, often leading to higher fares and reduced access to affordable transportation.

“The CNG Conversion Incentive Programme, in conjunction with the MyCNG App, is a bold response to these challenges. By offering a 50 per cent discount for rideshare drivers upon sign-up and scheduling through the MyCNG App, we are not only making CNG a more viable option but also easing the financial burden on drivers. This will translate to more affordable transportation options the users.

“To our rideshare drivers, I encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity. The MyCNG App is not just a tool for accessing discounts but a gateway to a more sustainable livelihood. By choosing CNG, you are not only saving costs but also contributing to the larger goal of national development.

“Let me reiterate that the launch of this programme is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding and enhancing our efforts to promote the adoption of CNG and other alternative fuels across all sectors of our economy.

Together, we can build a cleaner, more affordable, and more prosperous future for all Nigerians”.

The Chief Executive Officer, Portland Gas, Folajimi Mohammed, said the app is a groundbreaking effort to encourage the adoption of CNG among rideshare drivers.

He said the programme offers substantial incentives for drivers to convert their vehicles to CNG, thereby reducing emission, greenhouse gas, and lowering fuel costs.

Mohammed said the software is designed to schedule and handle all auto conversion appointments, ensuring that every driver has a smooth and hassle-seamless experience when making a switch to CNG, adding that the system will create and retain a comprehensive database for all conversions, enabling them to track progress, identify trends, and continuously improve their services.

“It will allow us to provide better support to our customers, optimise our operations, and contribute valuable insights to the broader community of those using CNG. We believe that this initiative will set a new standard for service excellence in the CNG sector and further accelerate the adoption of this clean, efficient world.

“Portland Gas is honoured to play a role in this national effort, and we are committed to driving forward the CNG revolution in Nigeria. Together, with the continued collaboration and innovation of all stakeholders we can achieve a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for our country,” he stated.

On his part, the Project Director and Chief Executive Officer, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Micheal Oluwagbemiga, on his part, said the real opportunity for moving people around in an environment where there are no vehicle ownership is this rideshare technology that has become available across the land in the last 10 years.

Oluwagbemiga explained the global ride-hailing market is valued at about $113bn as of 2020, and is anticipated to reach a value of $230bn by 2026, registering about 8.75 per cent growth between 2021 and 2026.

He said Nigeria accounts for about seven million people that used rideshare services in 2020, and noted that CNG is not just about lower transportation but about Nigeria looking inwards for the first time in a long while to use the resources.

“Nigeria’s e-hailing market is thriving and the Nigerian CNG sector is here to make the e-hailing industry move faster, to ensure that young people, old people, even middle-aged people can benefit from the government policy of cheaper, safer, more reliable, and cleaner fuel for the transportation sector,” Oluwagbemiga stated.