The Cross River State government has commenced the training of 20 automobile technicians who will assist the state to kick-start the process of converting vehicles with petrol engines to compressed natural gas (CNG) ones in the state.
The state commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpeyong Cobham disclosed this during a chat with journalists on Friday in Calabar.
Cobham, who spoke with journalists a day after the state government officially inaugurated a pilot conversion and training centre to kick-start vehicles’ conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG), stated that upon completion of the conversion, transport fares would become bearable for travellers.
The commissioner stated that the initiative is designed to support government’s CNG programme to alleviate the financial impact of the fuel subsidy removal by lowering transportation expenses.
“We needed to put facts on the pedals to get this done for refill stations in Cross River State.
“We are set to get the 20 auto technicians trained so that they can thereafter train others. We will educate our people on this issue.
“With the stations, we will be setting a new benchmark for CNG vehicle conversion and technician training.
“We are going to carry everyone along. We will prioritise government-owned vehicles and commercial vehicles.
“Yesterday, we received the first 50 out of the 500 free kits that will enhance the conversion process.
“Each kit comes with a cylinder. We’re hopeful that once we are able to take the first 500, we will qualify to ask for more.
“We are committed to seal a deal with banks that the CNG kits are available to the extent that people will be able to access it and pay gradually when these free ones are exhausted.”
