KEY POINTS
- Nigeria’s CNG centers grow from 7 to 171 in one year.
- Private sector drives growth, with hybrid CNG conversions available.
- Goal set for 200 CNG centers by year-end, with 500 targeted for 2025.
Nigeria’s drive to promote cleaner energy use in transportation has taken a significant leap forward. The country now boasts 171 compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion centers, with a target of hitting 200 by the end of 2024.
This milestone was announced at the commissioning of the Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, Abuja. Michael Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), expressed confidence in achieving the year-end target.
“Before the end of this year, I promise in the next two weeks, we will get to 200,” Oluwagbemi said. “This time last year, our target was 100, and now we are targeting 200.”
He further revealed that the goal for 2025 is even more ambitious, aiming to establish 500 CNG conversion centers nationwide. The progress so far reflects a major shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape, with conversion centers increasing from just seven in 2023 to 171 today.
Privately owned centers drive growth in gas conversion
One striking aspect of Nigeria’s CNG conversion success is the private sector’s role in driving growth. Oluwagbemi noted that none of the 171 existing centers were built by the Federal Government.
“So today, from seven to 171, there is not a single one of those that were built by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said, highlighting the private sector’s commitment to cleaner energy and innovation.
The recently commissioned Portland Gas Conversion Centre is a prime example. It has the capacity to convert vehicles to CNG within an hour. The hybrid conversion allows vehicles to switch between petrol and gas, ensuring flexibility for drivers during emergencies or periods of gas scarcity.
According to Portland Gas Limited CEO Folajimi Mohammed, each converted vehicle maintains hybrid functionality. “It is still a hybrid. You can have the option to switch from petrol to gas whenever you want to,” Mohammed explained.
Additionally, he highlighted the durability of the CNG gas tanks, which have a lifespan of 20 years. This approach ensures the long-term value of the conversion process for vehicle owners.
Public-private partnership accelerates CNG expansion
Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, praised the public-private partnership model driving the CNG initiative. He called it a blueprint for sustainable energy development in Nigeria.
“The CNG journey started a long time ago,” Halilu said. He emphasized that while the government provides policy support and infrastructure, the private sector supplies the operational capacity to drive the initiative forward.
According to Punch, the Presidential CNG Initiative also announced plans to offer free interstate transportation during the festive season. Oluwagbemi revealed that six new buses will be added to the fleet, providing essential mobility services for residents in Abuja and nearby regions.
“We are going to put additional six buses to run interstate here in Abuja and neighboring cities,” he stated.
This collaborative model of government support and private sector investment is expected to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, reduce dependence on petrol, and support Nigeria’s broader climate and energy goals.
