The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to deploy one million compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles nationwide, aiming to reduce transportation costs following the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, directed officials to accelerate investments in refuelling infrastructure and vehicle conversions during a meeting in Abuja over the weekend.
Ekpo emphasized the need to translate the autogas policy into tangible benefits for Nigerians, particularly lower transport fares. He tasked the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles and the Decade of Gas Secretariat with expanding infrastructure and strengthening programs to boost CNG adoption. The push comes amid concerns over rising transportation costs after the petrol subsidy removal, which increased fuel expenses for operators and commuters.
CNG, which is cheaper than petrol, has been promoted as an alternative to reduce fuel costs and ease financial pressure on households. However, its success depends on the availability of refuelling stations, affordable vehicle conversions, reliable gas supply, and operators passing savings to passengers. Ekpo highlighted Nigeria’s abundant gas resources, noting the country’s gas reserves index exceeds 80 years, supporting the government’s focus on gas utilization.
The Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, pledged to intensify investments in refuelling infrastructure and vehicle conversions. A joint industry market study by the Decade of Gas Secretariat will guide priority interventions and improve implementation. The Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Ed Ubong, described CNG as crucial for Nigeria’s energy transition and promised continued support for the initiative.