The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially launched a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) e-portal aimed at empowering youths in the commercial transport sector interested in operating CNG-powered tricycles nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, during a recent press conference at his office.
This initiative comes on the heels of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, which kicked off on October 1, when the federal government began distributing 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to support young Nigerians.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG) represented by Mr. Tosin Coker, emphasised that the distribution of these tricycles fulfils President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reducing transportation costs, improving economic welfare, promoting environmental sustainability through cleaner fuel, and generating employment opportunities for the youth.
In his address, Mr. Olawande highlighted that the newly launched portal aims to enhance transparency in the process of enlisting young Nigerians into the Presidential CNG Initiative. He stated: “Through the portal, youth from all over Nigeria can sign up to connect with aggregators or owners directly involved in the PiCNG program while initiating their journey toward ownership.”
He further explained that the portal opens opportunities for any young person eager to benefit from the program, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of equitable access to government initiatives for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Mr. Olawande encouraged youths already in the commercial transportation sector or those considering joining it to register and take advantage of the benefits offered through the PiCNG, which is a vital component of the President’s palliative measures.
To register, interested youths are invited to visit the portal at (http://www.youthcng.ng) or (http://www.pci.gov.ng/tricycle).
Mr. Oluwagbemi described CNG as “the future of the nation,” paralleling its significance with the potential of the youth. He emphasised that the initiative is not merely a handout but a deeper commitment to fostering a cleaner environment and reducing the economic burden of fuel subsidies.
“In adopting CNG, we are not only promoting a sustainable future but also safeguarding our nation’s financial health. It is imperative that we invest in our youth, as they are the foundation of our future,” he stated.
