Nigeria’s compressed natural gas (CNG) sector has attracted at least $980 million in private investment over the past 18 months, with the number of CNG daughter stations increasing from seven to 350.
This announcement was made by Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), at the launch of the NASENI-Portland CNG daughter station and training centre.
Oluwagbemi highlighted that the number of converted vehicles has surged from 4,000 to 100,000.
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He credited the private sector, including major companies like Bua and the Nigerian Bottling Company, for investing over N720 billion in acquiring CNG trucks and building daughter stations.
The PCNGI has supported this growth by offering conversion incentives, such as discounted conversion kits to transport unions.
The programme director noted the rapid expansion of the CNG infrastructure, stating that the number of conversion centres has grown from seven to over 315 in just 12 months.
He also mentioned that the number of states with CNG capacity has increased from five to 20, with plans to expand to at least 30 states and the FCT by the end of the year.
The launch of the NASENI-Portland facility was praised as a model of public-private partnership.
Folajimi Mohammed, CEO of Portland Gas, stated that collaborating with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is a “bold declaration” that Nigeria is prepared to lead in the clean energy future.
He emphasised that the initiative would lead to cleaner air, lower fuel costs for transport operators, and a more sustainable environment.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, affirmed the association’s full support for the government’s CNG program.
He said the initiative has already reduced transportation costs by 30% for his members and praised the new station for its potential to reduce wait times and fuel losses.
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, commended NASENI for promoting affordable and cleaner energy.
Represented by Mascot Ikwechegh, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace the energy transition, citing the success of countries like Argentina and Pakistan in CNG adoption.
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Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, stated that the facility aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified and sustainable economy.
He announced an ambitious plan to replicate these facilities across all 36 states and the FCT to make it possible to convert every vehicle in Nigeria to CNG in the coming years.
