FG Recommits to Cheaper, Cleaner Transportation Amid $2bn CNG Investment

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional transportation fuels. This commitment is part of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) launched in 2023.

Since the initiative's inception, significant investments have been made in the CNG value chain, with over $2 billion secured for infrastructure, vehicle conversion, and technical capacity development. These investments have led to the conversion of more than 120,000 vehicles into CNG, supported by over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 refuelling stations.

The programme has also trained over 7,700 automotive technicians, resulting in the creation of more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, 655 CNG buses and 5,123 CNG tricycles have been procured and deployed. These developments have shown that CNG is becoming an increasingly viable fuel choice for transportation across Nigeria.

Minister Ekpo stated that commercial transport operators, private vehicle owners, and fleet managers are experiencing significant fuel cost savings and improved profitability. Commuters using CNG-powered buses are also benefiting from lower fares. The federal government's investments in CNG infrastructure and vehicle conversion are already delivering practical benefits, including lower operating costs that benefit a wide range of Nigerians.

To further expand the use of CNG, the Ministry is collaborating with Pi-CNG, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), state governments, transport unions, operators, investors, and other stakeholders. These efforts include expanding refuelling and conversion infrastructure, developing dedicated CNG corridors, and extending access to underserved communities.

The Minister lauded President Bola Tinubu's directive for an additional 500 CNG refuelling stations, which will bring the planned national network to 1,000 stations. This initiative will further improve access to CNG and accelerate its adoption across the country. The Minister also praised state governors who have supported the programme with investments and partnerships, while encouraging those who have not yet done so to join the initiative for the benefit of Nigerians and the commuting public.