By Toba Owojaiye, Deputy Editor
In a landmark achievement, NIPCO Gas Limited has successfully converted 15,000 vehicles to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within the first year of Nigeria’s drive for alternative fuel adoption. The move aligns with the Federal Government’s energy transition strategy, leveraging the country’s vast natural gas reserves to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.
While the milestone underscores the potential of CNG as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, concerns over safety, regulatory oversight, and public confidence remain significant challenges.
The Success Story: Lower Costs and Cleaner Energy
The growing adoption of CNG has been driven by three key benefits:
Economic Relief: With petrol prices exceeding ₦1,080 per liter, CNG, priced at around ₦230 per standard cubic meter, offers up to 40% savings on fuel costs. The affordability has made it an attractive option for transport operators, particularly commercial drivers and fleet owners.
Environmental Gains: CNG-powered vehicles emit significantly lower levels of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, reducing air pollution in urban centers.
Energy Independence: Nigeria, with its estimated 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, has the resources to sustain a long-term shift towards CNG, decreasing reliance on imported petroleum products.
As a result, the government has intensified efforts to roll out more CNG conversion centers and refueling stations nationwide, with plans to establish 100 refueling outlets by 2026.
Safety Concerns and Recent Incidents
Despite its advantages, the rapid transition to CNG has not been without challenges.
Explosion Incidents: In October 2024, a CNG-powered vehicle exploded at a NIPCO station in Benin City, Edo State, leaving three people injured. Investigations linked the incident to illegal and substandard CNG cylinder modifications, raising concerns about safety compliance.
Regulatory Lapses: Many vehicle owners seeking CNG conversion opt for unlicensed workshops due to lower costs, increasing the risk of poorly installed gas systems. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has since intensified inspections and enforcement to curb unauthorized conversions.
Public Perception: While CNG remains a safer fuel option when properly installed and maintained, such incidents have fueled skepticism among the public, with many questioning the readiness of Nigeria’s infrastructure for widespread CNG adoption.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Safety and Infrastructure
To sustain the momentum of CNG adoption while mitigating risks, experts have recommended key measures:
Stronger Regulations: The government must enforce strict certification processes for CNG conversion workshops and refueling stations, ensuring compliance with global safety standards.
Public Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about proper CNG usage, maintenance, and the dangers of unauthorized modifications will be crucial to building consumer confidence.
Expansion of Refueling Infrastructure: The rollout of more CNG stations, particularly in high-demand urban areas, will improve accessibility and encourage wider adoption.
NIPCO’s successful conversion of 15,000 vehicles within a year signals a major shift in Nigeria’s transportation energy mix. While safety challenges remain, they present an opportunity to strengthen regulations and public engagement. With strategic investment in infrastructure and education, CNG has the potential to redefine Nigeria’s energy landscape, offering a more affordable and sustainable fuel alternative for the future.