The Federal Government plans to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), targeting one million CNG-powered vehicles to make transportation more affordable across Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the directive to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) and the Decade of Gas Secretariat.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah, on Sunday, Ekpo spoke in Abuja while receiving progress reports from both bodies. He urged them to speed up investment, expand refuelling facilities and strengthen programmes to increase nationwide CNG adoption.
The minister said the policy had become more urgent following the removal of petrol subsidy and the resulting pressure on transport costs. He stressed that the government must turn its Auto CNG policy into practical benefits for Nigerians, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of making transportation cheaper.
Ekpo said Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves offered an opportunity to lower transport costs, increase domestic gas use and support economic growth. However, he noted that sustained investment in refuelling infrastructure, vehicle conversions and other essential facilities would be needed to achieve the target.
He also highlighted progress in domestic gas supply, which had exceeded two billion cubic feet per day for the first time in the country’s history.
“Nigeria is a gas nation with a gas reserves index of over 80 years, and that is why we are talking about the Decade(s) of Gas.
“It is important that we listen to the directive of Mr President to make transportation cheaper via CNG. We will continue to give you all the backing, to provide the necessary assistance to make sure we drive this project to a logical conclusion,” he said.
Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pi-CNG & EV, said the initiative would increase investment and expand infrastructure and vehicle conversion programmes nationwide.
He added that a joint industry market study completed by the Decade of Gas Secretariat would guide implementation, track progress and help identify gaps affecting the rollout.
Meanwhile, Ed Ubong, Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, described CNG as an important part of Nigeria’s energy transition. He said greater domestic and export gas use could create opportunities for Nigerians and investors.
The government hopes the planned rollout will reduce dependence on petrol and make transport more affordable by expanding the use of the country’s natural gas resources.
