Stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sector have said that the Federal Government’s initiative aimed at promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles nationwide is facing a major challenge due to inadequate CNG stations in the country.
CNG can be used in place of petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. It is used in traditional petrol/internal combustion engine automobiles or specifically manufactured vehicles.
President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative last year, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles.
Also included in the target are 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles as the initiative seeks to strengthen in-country manufacturing, local assembly, and expansive job creation in line with the presidential directive.
SPORTS EXTRA: Arsenal, Liverpool Loss, Gives City Edge In Premiership Run0:00 / 1:01
However, stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors have lamented that the absence of the needed CNG stations is frustrating the FG’s initiative and stalling the massive roll-out and use of CNG-powered buses.
An insider in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, who is not authorised to comment on the issue, in a chat with PUNCH Online, however, said that the government is making efforts to encourage and support the establishment of CNG stations.
She noted that the regulatory framework for CNG is designed to ensure the safety of consumers and promote fair competition.
“We are working closely with stakeholders to monitor the establishment of gas filling stations, adherence to safety standards, and creating an environment where Nigerians can confidently adopt CNG,” she said.
Also speaking with our correspondent, an energy analyst and CNG expert, Dr Amina Yusuf, harped on the need to establish more CNG buses, adding that CNG offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to address both environmental and economic challenges.
“Its cleaner emissions profile and domestic availability position it as a viable alternative to traditional fuels, reducing carbon footprints while enhancing energy security,” Yusuf said.
However, in various cities, especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun state, our Correspondent gathered that the introduction of CNG has garnered mixed reactions from users. While some individuals and businesses welcome the opportunity to contribute to cleaner air and reduce costs and emissions, others express concerns about the accessibility of refilling stations and the overall feasibility of the transition.
PUNCH Online findings from drivers, commuters, and major gas marketers confirmed that a major hindrance to the CNG-powered bus initiative is the absence of the needed stations.
They also harped on the urgent need for a robust network of CNG stations to support the adoption of natural gas as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional fuels for vehicles.
A CNG-powered vehicle
The drivers, commuters, and gas marketers in separate encounters told our correspondent that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves, the lack of sufficient filling infrastructure restricts the accessibility and viability of CNG-powered vehicles.
A CNG-powered commercial car driver on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Tanimola Ibrahim said: “I was initially skeptical about the use of CNG due to the upfront cost of converting my vehicle. However, the fuel savings and the smoother engine performance convinced me of its benefits.
“I hope more CNG filling stations will be established across the country to make it more convenient for drivers like me.”
A business owner and CNG-powered vehicle user, Chidinma Okafor, said she has switched her delivery fleet to using CNG while describing it as a game-changer.
“Not only am I contributing to cleaner air, but the cost savings over time are substantial. The government’s incentives have eased the transition and made it a win-win for both my business and the environment.”
“It’s been a cost-effective decision. The availability of refilling stations is increasing, and I’m glad to contribute to reducing pollution. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.”
A CNG-powered taxi driver, Suleiman Abubakar said, “As a taxi driver, CNG has significantly lowered my operating costs. With the rising fuel price, it’s a relief to have a more affordable option. I believe as more drivers make the switch, it will not only benefit us but also contribute to a cleaner environment.”
Abubakar, however, also harped on the need for the establishment of more CNG stations.
A truck driver, Musa Idris, speaking with our correspondent stressed the need for the Federal Government to increase awareness of the use of CNG-powered vehicles.
He also urged the FG to partner with the private sector and gas marketers to increase the number of gas stations across the country.
He said, “The major challenge is the inability to access gas stations when driving long distances. This is a big threat to the use of CNG by truck drivers even though we value it more than diesel.
“Diesel and petrol are now expensive, while CNG is cheaper, safer and more economical,” Idris told PUNCH Online.
NNPC, NIPCO partner to establish 35 additional CNG stations
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently announced that it has partnered with NIPCO Gas Limited to construct 35 CNG stations across the country, adding that the partnership aims to provide cheaper alternative fuel to motorists in Nigeria in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
