Nigeria's Gas Powered Revolution: A New Era for Transportation

With the removal of petrol subsidies, Nigeria faces a stark reality: soaring transport prices. But as the old adage goes, every cloud has a silver lining. In this case, it comes in the form of natural gas, specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This article explores how Nigeria is turning to CNG as an affordable and sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel.

The shift to CNG is not a sudden one. In 2010, Nigeria Independent Marketing Company (NIPCO) launched the country's first CNG for vehicular and sundry applications in Benin City. However, the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023 by President Tinubu has accelerated this transition. The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), launched in 2023, aims to introduce one million CNG vehicles by the end of 2027. This ambitious initiative seeks to reduce fuel costs, lower carbon emissions, and create jobs through infrastructure development.

The potential benefits of CNG are manifold. CNG is cheaper and more readily available than petrol or diesel, reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported fuels. Moreover, CNG vehicles emit less carbon, aligning with Nigeria's climate action commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a study by Chikezie Nwaoha and J.U. Iyoke in 2013, CNG emits around 25% less greenhouse gases than petrol.

But the shift to CNG is not without its challenges. Nigeria must prioritize the construction of refueling infrastructure, stabilize CNG pricing through strategic government policies, and foster collaboration between energy and transportation stakeholders to optimize supply chains. The government's initiatives, such as Pi-CNG and partnerships with private sectors, are crucial in driving CNG adoption and job creation.

The shift to CNG could significantly reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported petrol and diesel, saving billions annually and fostering job creation. Moreover, lower fuel costs will stimulate economic growth and support Nigeria's commitment to global climate action and the SDGs.

In conclusion, Nigeria's turn to natural gas as a transport fuel is a step in the right direction. The shift to CNG offers significant economic and environmental benefits, aligning with Nigeria's broader goals of economic resilience, energy independence, and environmental sustainability. As we navigate this transition, CNG could pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient, and economically viable future for Nigeria's transport sector.