The Federal Government has officially launched a program to distribute free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles to cooperatives throughout Nigeria.
This initiative is part of the Presidential Natural Gas Initiative and was inaugurated on Thursday at the Win-Win Industrial Park, located near the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State. The program aims to empower communities, enhance economic resilience, and promote sustainability across the country.
During the launch, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, highlighted that the initiative represents a transformative strategy to uplift communities by providing not just mobility but also significant economic opportunities for many Nigerians.
Representing the minister, John Nyamali, the Director of Employment and Wages, emphasized the government’s excitement about introducing CNG-powered tricycles, which will be instrumental for various cooperative members.
Onyejeocha explained that the donated CNG tricycles are intended for commercial use, with the profits being shared among cooperative members. She stated, “By leveraging the cooperative model, we are ensuring that the benefits of this initiative will flow directly to the people.
Each selected cooperative, composed of dedicated members, will operate these tricycles commercially, and the proceeds will be distributed fairly among all cooperative members, ensuring economic upliftment for every participant and their families.”
The minister underscored that this program aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusivity, as cooperatives from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria have been carefully selected. The initiative aims to reach underserved communities, equipping them with the resources necessary for sustainable growth. She expressed hope that this program would foster a model of transportation that meets present needs while also being environmentally friendly for future generations.
The broader impact of this initiative extends beyond transportation alone, as Onyejeocha pointed out. “By empowering cooperatives, we are fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development. We are igniting local economies and instilling a sense of pride and ownership among community members,” she added.
Michael Oluwagbemi, the Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), announced that the government plans to donate between 1,500 and 2,000 CNG tricycles, targeting 60 cooperatives across the nation, 10 cooperatives in each of the six geopolitical zones.
He stressed the importance of this model, noting that tricycles powered by cheaper, safer, and more reliable CNG will benefit rural areas and communities lacking banking facilities, emphasizing the critical role of cooperatives in grassroots mobilization.
Oluwagbemi also revealed that residents of Amuwo Odofin in Lagos will receive free tricycle rides starting this weekend, as the first cooperative to benefit from this initiative is located in that area. “With us today is a representative of this cooperative, who will be among the first beneficiaries of the program.
I am pleased to announce that from this weekend until the end of the month, the community will enjoy free rides on these tricycles,” he stated. The PCNGI director further explained that this initiative will allow residents to experience firsthand the safety, reliability, and affordability of CNG-powered transportation.
Olujimi Sobayo, the Chairman of the Irewolede Cooperative Society, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for this initiative.
However, he urged the government to ensure that adequate CNG refilling stations are established nationwide, pointing out the need for Nigeria to diversify its reliance away from petrol and diesel.
