- The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion app and online platform for mostly ride-hailing platforms to provide real-time information on nearby conversion centres, book appointments, access discounts, and receive fuel price updates.
- According to the government, the new app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store, will simplify the switch from premium motor spirit (PMS) to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
- This initiative is powered by the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) to raise $25 million in the initial phase, $75 million by the end of 2024, and $250 million by 2027 to support the development of CNG infrastructure for Nigeria.
The government emphasised a special focus on the ride-hailing industry with this initiative, as it aims to significantly reduce booking prices on Uber, Bolt, and other rideshare services through the RideShare CNG Conversion Incentive Programme and also enable ride-hailing drivers to convert their vehicles to CNG at a discounted rate.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is offering a 50% discount on car CNG conversions for drivers using the new MY-CNG App to support this initiative.
This programme aims to help rideshare drivers, including Uber and Bolt, transition to CNG. NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, highlighted that the app and Conversion Incentive Program demonstrate NASENI’s commitment to using technology for national transformation.
Users have faced several challenges with the new CNG app. During account creation, for instance, the app requires users to enter names exactly as they appear on their National Identification Number (NIN). However, the app only provides fields for a first name and last name, not accommodating the full NIN format, which includes surname, first name, and middle name.
Additionally, users are struggling with email verification. Although the app claims to send a verification link to the users' email, many users have not received the email despite multiple attempts. This issue is preventing successful registration and sign-in.
These challenges persist as of publication time.