The Federal Government launched the distribution of free Compressed Natural Gas tricycles on Thursday to cooperatives nationwide.
This initiative, part of the Presidential Natural Gas Initiative, was kicked off in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the Win-Win Industrial Park near the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, according to The Punch.
The distribution aims to promote the use of cleaner energy and support local businesses across the country.
Speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said that the program represents a transformative approach to empowering communities, fostering economic resilience, and promoting sustainability throughout the nation.
Represented by the Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, the minister expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of CNG-powered tricycles, highlighting that they will serve as a lifeline for many by providing mobility and creating economic opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
She noted that the free CNG tricycles provided to the cooperatives would be used for commercial purposes, with the proceeds distributed among 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 explained.
Onyejeocha revealed that the program is 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. We aim 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.
Commenting, the Director of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi confirmed that the plan is to donate between 1,500 and 2,000 CNG tricycles to cooperatives.
According to him, the government will select 60 cooperatives, with 10 from 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 and continuing through the end of the month, residents of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, will enjoy free tricycle rides. This initiative marks the first benefit for the cooperative Irewolode, which is located in the 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 expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the initiative.
