In its resolve to promote alternative clean sources of energy, particularly in the transportation sector, Ogun State Government is set to make use of mass transit vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity, to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact in the society.

          Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, who made this known while taking delivery of vehicle CNG conversion kits, said the present administration's initiative to adopt CNG fuel for State-owned rolling stock assets, aligns with the State transport policy objectives co-developed with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UKFCDO).

            Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Sola Osasona, Engr. Dairo, stated that the project in partnership with MAUTO HOLDO DMCC, would have a first phase, consisting of installing CNG conversion kits on 15 Ashok Leyland mass transit buses and two Hyundai buses in use by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State government.

          He added that the Ministry would soon commence conversion process for the pilot phase between four to six weeks, to test run the project, which would involve the Mass Transit buses currently in operation in Abeokuta and other areas which would be deployed later, to serve the planned Mowe-Berger Axis BMT scheme also co-developed with UKFCDO ahead of its full rollout across the State.

          The Commissioner noted that MAUTO had deployed specialist engineers and technicians to the State to provide ‘hands-on’ training to locally-based auto mechanics and technicians, saying the initiative would lead to a cleaner economy, provide job opportunities during the conversion process, and reduce the cost of fuel.

          According to Dairo, ‘’the present government recognises that the use of CNG fuel in vehicles has added advantage of reducing vehicle’s operation and maintenance costs, compared to the use of diesel and premium motor spirit. Natural gas is currently the cheapest form of fuel”.

          Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration, Office of the Governor, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, stated that the delivery of the kits was a testimony to Governor Abiodun’s commitment to achieving an ecosystem-friendly means of transportation.

          On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Energy, Mr. Olaniji Adedapo, revealed that the present administration plans to achieve a "Gas-to-Transport" strategy, that includes the conversion of all the transit buses to natural gas vehicles, adding that the project is also part of a gas-to-power plan to light up some parts of the State.