CNG cylinder explosion fears slowing adoption in Nigeria – Pi-CNG/EV CEO

The adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Nigeria is being hampered by safety concerns and misconceptions surrounding CNG cylinder explosions, according to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG/EV). Ismaeel Ahmed, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pi-CNG/EV, revealed these challenges during a meeting with members of the CNG/EV Users Forum in Abuja.

Ahmed emphasized that these misconceptions remain a significant hurdle to wider CNG adoption, despite the government's efforts to promote the fuel as a more affordable alternative for transportation and attract investment. He identified the fear of CNG cylinder explosions as a major barrier to wider acceptance, emphasizing that altering Nigerians' energy habits and perceptions would require sustained public awareness campaigns.

While CNG has been in use for over two decades globally and over a decade in Nigeria, its development has largely been driven by the private sector and on a limited scale. The current administration has provided the necessary political support to make CNG a national project. Nigeria possesses the resources and technology to develop the industry, but the government must also create demand while ensuring an adequate supply.

To facilitate CNG vehicle conversions, investors need to commit funds to the CNG value chain, which includes gas production and processing, transportation, compression and distribution. This value chain encompasses gas production and processing, transportation, compression and distribution, requiring significant investments in pipelines, compression stations, daughter stations, land acquisition, licensing, and filling stations.

The government alone cannot finance the entire value chain, as it demands substantial investments and competes with other national priorities.

Affordability is closely linked to availability, and Ahmed stressed that a cheaper product that is difficult to access would lose its economic advantage. Nigerians allocate between 15% and 25% of their income to transportation, depending on their location and mode of transportation. To illustrate the potential savings, Ahmed cited an example of a vehicle owner who, after converting a vehicle from petrol to CNG, reduced weekly fuel expenses from approximately N300,000 to N22,000.

Ahmed clarified that CNG is not meant to immediately replace petrol and diesel, as Nigeria will continue to utilize a mix of CNG, electric vehicles, petrol, and diesel. Despite safety concerns, experts have previously assured Nairametrics that properly installed, maintained, and operated CNG systems are safe. They noted that CNG cylinders are made from reinforced materials designed to withstand extreme conditions, while CNG kits include gauges for monitoring pressure levels.

Additionally, CNG is lighter than air, allowing leaked gas to disperse rather than pooling around a vehicle like petrol. Pressure-release valves and automatic shut-off sensors further enhance safety by managing leaks and irregularities.

The Federal Government introduced the Presidential CNG Initiative in 2023 to address the removal of the petrol subsidy and promote the expansion of CNG conversion and refuelling infrastructure across the country. Transport companies are increasingly adopting CNG as a lower-cost alternative to petrol, driven by rising fuel costs and pressure on operating expenses.