Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, has directed the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres across all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive was issued during the 2024 NITT Management Retreat held on October 8, 2024, in Kaduna.
The event also saw the launch of NITT’s CNG conversion and training E-Booking system.
In his keynote address, Alkali stressed the importance of NITT aligning its vision with a robust Performance Management System (PMS) to navigate the evolving dynamics of the transport industry.
According to the minister, the transport sector plays a pivotal role in national development by connecting people, facilitating trade, and serving as a critical enabler of economic growth.
“The theme of this retreat, ‘Realigning NITT’s Vision with Performance Management System (PMS) and the Dynamics of the Transport Industry,’ is both timely and crucial as we navigate the evolving landscape of the transport sector,” Alkali said.
He pointed out that as global transportation trends evolve due to technological advancements, changing consumer behaviours, and economic shifts, Nigeria must keep pace to maximize the sector’s potential.
To achieve this, the minister explained that a comprehensive Performance Management System would help measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability.
He said the PMS would also align individual and departmental goals with NITT’s vision and the Federal Ministry of Transportation’s overarching objectives.
The minister further emphasized NITT’s critical role as the premier institution for transport training, research, and innovation in Africa.
He highlighted that NITT must produce not only job-seekers but also innovators and job-creators who will revolutionize Nigeria’s transport systems and drive the future of transportation on the continent.
“In line with this commitment to innovation and sustainability, and with the challenges that came with the recent removal of petrol subsidy, NITT is now a centre for converting petrol-based vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG),” Alkali stated.
The CNG initiative, which has already seen the establishment of conversion centres in Abuja and Zaria, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transitioning the country toward greener energy sources.
This is part of the broader goal to reduce dependence on petrol, mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal, and offer cheaper, cleaner alternatives to fuel-powered vehicles.
The minister’s directive follows the implementation of several key reforms aimed at transitioning Nigeria away from petrol dependency.
The initiative is expected to create jobs, spur innovation, and reduce the environmental impact of traditional fuel consumption.
The program is also expected to make it easier for Nigerians to convert their petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, thus reducing the country’s carbon footprint and enhancing energy security.
The retreat also addressed other global transportation trends, including the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous transportation, and the increasing importance of green transport solutions.
