Nigeria's CNG Push Hits Roadblocks: Experts Warn of Infrastructure and Regulatory Gaps

Nigeria's push to expand compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative transport fuel is gaining momentum, but the country needs a reliable supply chain and efficient distribution network to make it sustainable.

President Bola Tinubu has promised that more Nigerians will see measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1 under the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme. However, the success of this transition depends on ensuring adequate gas supply, developing infrastructure, and establishing a proper regulatory framework.

Omid Hamidkhani, an alternative fuels development consultant, identified several key conditions for Nigeria to build a sustainable CNG market: expanding gas and refuelling infrastructure, improving distribution, and establishing stronger vehicle inspection, certification, and safety systems. He emphasized that the government's financial incentive plans and clear regulatory framework are crucial in accelerating the market.

Hamidkhani also highlighted the need for an integrated monitoring system across the entire value chain to ensure reliable access to CNG. The consultant noted that the current reliance on trucks to move CNG from mother stations to daughter stations is not sustainable as the number of CNG vehicles grows, and recommended a mixed distribution strategy using pipelines, CNG trucking, and L-CNG where each technology makes the most technical and commercial sense.