According to a news report from Punch, the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion workshop, refuelling station, and training centre in the North-Central zone was inaugurated in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday.

During the launch of the Rolling Energy CNG Station, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq announced that the state government had already converted 20 of its petrol-engine vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles, with plans to increase this number in the near future.

Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted the benefits of CNG, describing it as both safer and more cost-effective compared to petrol-powered vehicles. He attributed this development to President Bola Tinubu's decision to remove the fuel subsidy, thereby reducing excessive reliance on petrol.

“What we are witnessing today is the beginning of the new future marking our new lifestyle.

“This is the direct benefit of oil subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu. Between last year and now, the president has given backing to natural gas over petrol.

“We have converted 20 government vehicles to CNG for test-drive, we shall convert all in a few months,” he said.

Noting that the exercise would create more jobs, especially for the youth, the governor assured residents that the conversion was safer and cheaper.

The Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemiga, commended Governor Abdulrazaq for supporting the presidential initiative, right from the outset and for his understanding of the benefits of the adoption of gas.

Oluwagbemiga also urged Nigerians to embrace the future as he commended President Tinubu for his foresight and determination to take the country several miles into the future.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rolling Energy, Mubarak Danbata, enjoined all to embrace the initiative which he described as the in-thing.

“I am free to announce our readiness for President Tinubu’s decision to reduce our dependence on petrol.

“We are poised to join the government to increase resilience to provide reliable services to the state,” he said.

He added that the station was capable of converting six petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered daily.

“President Tinubu’s initiative reflects our joint commitment to lift the nation. This is a sufficient energy future collaboration, it is all about securing a new future for the generation yet to be born,” he said.