Nigeria Accelerates CNG Adoption with 120,000 Vehicles Converted

Nigeria is rapidly expanding its adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cheaper alternative to petrol, with over 120,000 vehicles already converted to run on CNG. Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, revealed during an interview on ARISE News that the country now has 96 CNG refuelling stations and more than 400 conversion centres, marking significant growth since 2023.

The next phase of the initiative aims to scale up CNG adoption further, ensuring that cost savings reach passengers. Ahmed noted that transport operators could save between 60 and 70 per cent on fuel costs by switching to CNG, advocating that these savings should translate into lower fares for commuters. The government is also considering making CNG or electric power mandatory for commercial vehicles to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.

Infrastructure expansion remains critical to sustaining this growth. While the number of refuelling stations has surged from just a few in 2023 to 96 today, Ahmed emphasized the need for more gas sources, pipelines, and compression facilities to ensure a reliable supply. The government is shifting from demonstrating CNG viability to large-scale deployment, with demand for conversions rising as more motorists adopt the fuel.

The shift to CNG could also impact Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors by lowering transport and logistics costs. Construction relies heavily on road-based logistics, and cheaper fuel could reduce expenses for moving materials like cement, steel, and aggregates. However, the benefits will depend on the availability and reliability of CNG infrastructure and widespread vehicle conversion.

Safety and standards are also a priority. Ahmed urged motorists to use only approved conversion centres and certified CNG conversion kits, warning against unsafe practices like roadside conversions. As adoption expands, maintaining these standards will be crucial to preventing accidents and sustaining public confidence in the programme.

Ahmed argued that natural gas should play a larger role in Nigeria’s domestic transportation system, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel while leveraging the country’s gas resources. A broader shift towards CNG could also insulate Nigeria from international oil-price fluctuations. For the property sector, the long-term significance lies in whether cheaper and more reliable energy can translate into lower development and operating costs across Nigeria’s urban centres.