The federal government has commenced the distribution of free compressed natural gas (CNG) tricycles to cooperatives across the country.
The Presidential Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, flagged off the exercise at Win-Win Industrial Park, near Sagamu Interchange, in Ogun State on Thursday.
Speaking, the minister of labour and employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the programme was a transformative approach to empowering communities, fostering economic resilience, and promoting sustainability across the nation.
Represented by the director of employment and wages, John Nyamali, the minister stated that the government was excited to introduce CNG-powered tricycles that will serve as a lifeline for many, offering not only mobility but also economic opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
She said the free CNG tricycles donated to the cooperatives would be used for commercial purposes while the proceeds would be shared by the members.
“By leveraging the cooperative model, we are ensuring that the benefits of this initiative will flow directly to the people. Each selected cooperative made up of dedicated members will operate these tricycles commercially. The proceeds will be shared equitably among all cooperative members, ensuring that the economic benefits are distributed fairly, uplifting every participant and their families,” she said.
Onyejeocha disclosed that the programme was part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“We have carefully selected cooperatives from all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We believe in reaching out to underserved communities and giving them the tools they need to thrive and build a better future for themselves and their children. Our aim is to create a sustainable model of transportation that not only meets the needs of today but also protects our environment for future generations,
“The impact of this initiative will resonate far beyond just transportation. 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.
The director of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, maintained that the plan was to donate between 1,500 to 2,000 CNG tricycles.
According to him, the government would select 60 cooperatives, 10 in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country.
Oluwagbemi stressed, “The importance of the model is that we are getting tricycles powered by cheaper, safer and more reliable compressed natural gas to our streets, and the Ministry of Labour, working with us, is ensuring that we mobilise cooperatives. The cooperative model, as you all know, is critical to getting things done at the grassroots. Villages in our rural areas and our communities, and our hamlets don’t have banks. They depend on cooperatives,” he said.
The PCNGI director announced that starting this weekend till the end of the month, residents of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, will enjoy free tricycle rides as the first cooperative to benefit from the initiative, Irewolode, is domiciled in that area.
“With us today, we have a representative of one of these cooperatives here that will be the first beneficiary of the programme. I’m told that as soon as this weekend, you will be able to benefit if you go to the Amuwo Odofin community where the cooperative is situated to ride these tricycles.
“Beyond that, we’ve already ensured, and I think this is breaking news, that for the next two weeks, at least to the end of the month, our people, your community, will benefit for free. They are preparing free rides. We will pay them, but we are paying them for it so that people can benefit and taste it. They can see these tricycles in motion and being operated, and they can know that CNG is safe, it is reliable, CNG is cheap, and it’s something that our communities will take advantage of,” he submitted.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Irewolede Cooperative Society, Olujimi Sobayo, appreciated the federal government for the initiative.
He, however, charged the government to ensure there are enough CNG refilling stations across the nation, saying Nigeria cannot depend so much on petrol and diesel.
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