Moving towards sustainable practices, the Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of a pilot phase to convert 30 of its operational vehicles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative is part of the broader Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) led by President Bola Tinubu, aiming to reduce reliance on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and embrace more eco-friendly alternatives.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, stated that this step aligns with the government’s policy on subsidy and represents the Army’s commitment to proactive environmental stewardship. The conversion process will not only make the Army’s fleet greener but is also expected to be cost-effective in the long run.
During the Nigerian Army Fleet auto switch kick-off programme, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General Erema Akerejola, highlighted the significance of the Army’s participation in the PCNGI. He pointed out the extensive use of operational vehicles within the Army and the potential benefits of switching to CNG.
The initiative also includes training for 22 personnel on the conversion process, indicating the Army’s dedication to building internal capabilities for this transition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been appreciated for spearheading this environmentally conscious initiative.
Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, and Engineer Micheal Oluwagbemi, the Project Coordinator of PCNGI, both praised the Nigerian Army’s forward-thinking approach. They expressed confidence that the adoption of CNG would lead to enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings, setting a precedent for other institutions in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army’s decision to adopt CNG is a testament to its role as a leading institution in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. This move is expected to pave the way for a greener future in military mobility and inspire similar initiatives across the nation’s public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, last October, in an ongoing effort to bolster operational effectiveness and safeguard its personnel, the Nigerian Army Headquarters Department of Army Training (DAT) embarked on a two-week training program. The primary focus of this training is to equip military personnel with essential knowledge and practical skills related to the recently acquired NA TARES Mines Protective Vehicles (MPV).