In a significant step toward promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles, the Federal Government has assured Nigerians of the safety of CNG usage. The government’s latest commitment comes as the number of CNG conversion centres across the country has risen to 171.
This announcement was made during the commissioning of a new Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Director/CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), spoke confidently at the event. He assured Nigerians that the CNG conversion process is safe when done at accredited government facilities.
“We are committed to ensuring that the transition to CNG as an alternative fuel is as smooth and safe as possible,” Oluwagbemi said.
The P-CNGI has been pushing for wider adoption of CNG as an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to petrol. According to Oluwagbemi, the target for the number of conversion centres is set to hit 200 by the end of 2024.
“We are on track to achieve 200 CNG conversion centres by the end of this year, and next year, we are aiming for 500 centres across the country,” he added.
Just a year ago, Nigeria had only seven CNG conversion centres. The rapid growth in the number of centres is a testament to the government’s efforts to expand the use of CNG and reduce dependence on petrol.
“The increase in the number of centres has been impressive. In fact, this time last year, our target was just 100 centres. Now, we have reached 171 centres and are set to double our target by the year’s end,” Oluwagbemi said, addressing attendees with a sense of pride.
The new Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado is part of this expansion. The centre has the capacity to convert up to 12 vehicles per day. However, Oluwagbemi urged the management of Portland Gas Limited to increase the number of working hours to 24 hours a day to meet the growing demand.
“We believe that with extended working hours, Portland Gas can achieve even more,” he said.
Engr. Folajimi Mohammed, CEO of Portland Gas Limited, also spoke about the importance of the centre and the longevity of the CNG cylinders used in the conversion process.
“The CNG cylinders used in the conversion process have a life span of 20 years. This makes them a long-term, cost-effective solution for vehicle owners,” Mohammed explained.
Mohammed also highlighted the flexibility offered by the conversion kits used in CNG conversions. He noted that the hybrid system allows vehicle owners to switch between gas and petrol as needed, providing added convenience and efficiency.
“This hybrid conversion kit is an important feature for vehicle owners, as it gives them the option to choose the fuel they want to use at any given time,” Mohammed added.
For many Nigerians, the shift to CNG is seen as a step toward reducing the cost of fueling vehicles, especially with the rising price of petrol. However, concerns about safety have been raised, especially regarding the mounting of CNG cylinders in vehicles.
Oluwagbemi sought to allay these fears, emphasizing that the conversion process is both safe and regulated. He explained that when CNG cylinders are installed at accredited government facilities, they are subject to stringent safety checks. He further stressed that CNG is a safer alternative to petrol.
“The safety of CNG usage is a top priority for us. When CNG cylinders are installed in vehicles by accredited centres, the risk is much lower than that of petrol-driven vehicles,” Oluwagbemi reassured the public.
The government’s initiative to expand CNG usage is also being supported by other key stakeholders in the sector.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), spoke about the importance of partnerships in expanding the use of CNG. He noted that the collaboration with Portland Gas Limited was the first of its kind and highlighted the role of NASENI in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the conversion process.
“This partnership with Portland Gas is a milestone for the country. It is the first of its kind, and we are optimistic that it will lead to the further growth of the CNG industry in Nigeria,” Halilu said.
He also mentioned the potential environmental benefits of switching to CNG. CNG is considered a cleaner and greener alternative to petrol, emitting fewer harmful gases into the atmosphere.
The growing interest in CNG is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. With Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, CNG presents an opportunity to make use of local resources while promoting a more sustainable future.
The Federal Government’s initiative is already showing signs of success, with more and more motorists expressing interest in converting their vehicles to run on CNG.
At the Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, several vehicle owners were seen taking advantage of the new facility. One of them, Ahmed Ali, a commercial bus driver in Abuja, expressed his satisfaction with the conversion process.
“I used to spend a lot of money on petrol, but since I converted my vehicle to run on CNG, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in fuel costs,” Ali said. “I feel much more confident using CNG, especially with the government’s assurance of safety.”
In addition to providing an affordable alternative to petrol, CNG use also helps to curb air pollution, an issue that has become increasingly important in Nigerian cities like Abuja and Lagos. The government’s efforts to expand CNG conversion centres are part of a larger plan to improve air quality and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
As the number of CNG conversion centres continues to rise, and with more motorists embracing CNG as a fuel alternative, the Federal Government is optimistic that this initiative will play a key role in transforming Nigeria’s transport sector.
With plans to reach 500 conversion centres by 2025, it is clear that the government is committed to making CNG a viable and widely adopted fuel source for Nigerian motorists.
