- The NURTW in Lagos launched 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles, valued at N10.2 billion, to reduce transport costs and alleviate economic hardship for residents.
- The initiative will lower drivers’ daily operational fuel costs from N15,000 to N2,500 and N3,000 while creating over 5,000 new jobs in the sector.
- NURTW leaders urge the government to establish more CNG filling stations and lift bans on tricycles along routes linked to these stations to improve access to refuelling.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos has launched 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial tricycles. The initiative, valued at N10.2 billion, aims to ease transport challenges in the city. NURTW chieftain Alhaji Azeez Abiola announced the launch on Wednesday, October 16.
Abiola is the Zonal Chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria under the NURTW. He stated that this initiative will benefit the masses by lowering transportation costs. “Over 3,000 CNG tricycles have deployed to the state,” he said. He added that the project will help reduce economic hardship for residents.
The tricycles will begin operations today. Abiola expressed gratitude for President Bola Tinubu’s support. “We thank God Almighty for the opportunity to launch this laudable project,” he noted. The introduction of these tricycles will reduce the cost of transportation within localities.
Abiola emphasised the financial benefits for operators. “It costs a tricyclist N15,000 in fuel to operate daily,” he explained. “CNG operation will cost between N2,500 and N3,000 daily.” This significant reduction will ease the financial burden on drivers and commuters alike.
The initiative also aims to create jobs. Abiola mentioned that it will generate over 5,000 new jobs for operators and technicians involved in CNG conversions. He praised the partnership between the NURTW and the government for facilitating this opportunity. “We appreciate the support of our state NURTW chairman for this initiative,” he added.
The NURTW commits to ensuring the success of this project. Abiola indicated that the union will engage its members and monitor their operations. “We will fix them in the system and monitor their operations to prevent excessive charges,” he stated. This oversight aims to promote fair practices in the industry.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Abiola called on the government to establish more CNG filling stations. Currently, the only station sits at Agidingbi in Ikeja. “The filling station sits far from where our members operate,” he said. He highlighted the need for easier access to refuelling.
He also urged the government to lift the ban on tricycles along routes linked to the CNG filling station. “This change would make refilling easier for our members,” he noted. The union believes improved fuel access will enhance the new tricycles’ operational efficiency.
Abiola’s remarks reflect a broader concern for the economic situation in Lagos. High transport costs have burdened many residents. This new initiative represents a step toward addressing those challenges. The deployment of CNG tricycles could provide much-needed relief.
NURTW’s launch of these tricycles marks a significant development in Lagos’s transport sector. It represents a strategic response to the rising cost of living and transportation, aligning with global trends toward cleaner energy solutions.
CNG offers environmental benefits. It burns cleaner than traditional fuel options and could help reduce pollution in urban areas. The NURTW initiative could set a precedent for other states to follow.
In conclusion, launching 3,000 CNG-powered tricycles in Lagos is crucial to improving public transport. It promises to lower costs, create jobs, and promote a cleaner environment. However, addressing the challenges of access to refuelling stations will prove essential for the initiative’s success. The collaboration between the NURTW and the government will play a vital role in ensuring that the benefits reach the residents of Lagos.