The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially introduced its Compressed Natural Gas e-portal aimed at young individuals in the commercial transport sector, specifically targeting those interested in operating CNG-powered tricycles nationwide.

During a press conference held in his office on Monday, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this announcement.

On October 1, 2024, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PiCNG) and the ministry, launched the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to empower Nigerian youth.

In his remarks at the event, Michael Oluwagbemi, the Project Director of PiCNG, stated that the distribution of these tricycles represents the fulfillment of commitments made by President Bola Tinubu to lower transportation costs and improve economic conditions, among other advantages.

“Through the portal, youths from across Nigeria can sign up to be matched with aggregators or owners working directly with the PiCNG programme while starting the process of becoming owners themselves. In simple terms, the youth portal we are launching aims to build transparency around the process of enlisting youth into the presidential CNG initiative in the transport sector.

“What this means is that we are opening the process, and any young person willing and ready to take advantage of the programme can participate.

This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that all government programs and initiatives provide equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their background or social status.

“I, therefore, call on all youths working in the commercial transport sector, or those interested in joining, to register and benefit from the PiCNG as a significant part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s palliative programme,” he said.

The Minister encouraged young individuals to register for the CNG programme by visiting www.youthcng.ng or www.pci.gov.ng/tricycle.

Additionally, Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of PiCNG, represented by Mr. Tosin Coker, emphasized that CNG represents “the future of the nation.”

He stated, “CNG is indeed the future of Nigeria, just as the youth are the future of this country. By adopting CNG, we are contributing to a cleaner environment as we transition away from PMS and diesel.”

“We are also saving the nation in terms of the costs previously spent on petrol subsidies, which have been draining the country’s resources for so long. So, what we are doing here is not just a handout; it’s something deeper. As I mentioned, the youth are our future, and it is up to all of us to do what we can for them.”