Abuja, Nigeria - Recent

Storyline:
Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, is gearing up to introduce approximately 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses and tricycles. Spearheaded by the Presidency, this ambitious initiative seeks to convert 1 million vehicles to eco-friendly energy sources by 2027.

The initiative's objective is to provide Nigerians with more affordable, safer, and environmentally sustainable energy options while revolutionizing the nation's transportation infrastructure.

In Abuja, Nigeria's capital, engineers at a local workshop are working to convert vehicles from petrol to CNG. This effort follows the removal of fuel subsidies, which resulted in a substantial rise in petrol prices.

Chief Mechanic Ma'sud Yau said the demand is high, and the process has been smooth for both the workshop and clients.

The country is strategically transitioning towards CNG to address both economic and environmental concerns, aiming to provide its citizens with more cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.

Residents also experienced the benefits of using CNG over petrol, and more people are embracing CNG as a cost-effective and eco-friendly substitute for petrol.

But experts identify a huge bottleneck standing in the way of a smooth transition.

Amid Nigeria's rising population and mounting environmental challenges, the eventual adoption of CNG-powered vehicles is poised to revolutionize the country's transport landscape.

Officials say by reducing emissions and dependence on traditional fuels, this initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

Shotlist:
Abuja, Nigeria - Recent:
1. Various of worker installing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) devices on car; car owner watching;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Ma'sud Yau, chief mechanic, local workshop (partially overlaid with shot 3):
"In a day, we used to convert eight to nine cars. Till now, we have no complaints about the conversions."
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3. Facility on car;
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4. Sign showing CNG;
5. Various of CNG-powered buses;
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Mubarak Sani, local resident (partially overlaid with shot 7):
"CNG is very clean. It doesn't end up any bad things that can affect human health. With 4,500 Naira, I can run 150 kilometers. If you're using PMS for 150 kilometers, you know how much you'll spend. You'll spend nothing less than 25,000 (Naira)."
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7. Various of car at workshop;
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8. Various of people at gas station;
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Mathew Oladele, local development consultant (starting with shot 8):
"Now to fuel this vehicle, I pay about 60,000 (Naira). So, if it's CNG, that 60,000 (Naira) can carry me for about six months."
10. Various of cars;
11. SOUNDBITE (English) Kelvin Emmanuel, energy expert (partially overlaid with shot 12):
"It's definitely affordable. It's cheaper, it's cleaner. The challenge is the infrastructure. Infrastructure is missing and infrastructure is missing because there are critical components of that supply chain for building infrastructure that is hampered by the macro economics that we're currently in Nigeria."
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12. Sign showing CNG
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13. Various of traffic;
14. Fuel in container;
15. Various of people holding banner.

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