KEY POINTS
- FG aims to establish 500 CNG conversion centres by 2025.
- Hybrid conversion kits offer motorists fuel flexibility between CNG and petrol.
- CNG cylinders have a lifespan of 20 years, ensuring long-term use.
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerian motorists of the safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source, emphasizing that all conversions are conducted through certified facilities.
This announcement follows the commissioning of the Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, Abuja, where Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Director/CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), outlined the government’s ambitious expansion plans.
Oluwagbemi stated that the government aims to have 200 operational CNG conversion centres by the end of 2024, doubling its initial target. By 2025, the P-CNGI is projecting an even more ambitious goal of 500 CNG conversion centres nationwide.
“Our initial target was 100 centres, but we’ve already hit 171 and expect to reach 200 before the end of the year. For 2025, we’ve set our sights on 500 centres, and I have no doubt we’ll achieve it,” Oluwagbemi said.
He addressed safety concerns, assuring motorists that CNG is safer than petrol-powered vehicles when installed at accredited centres.
According to Vanguard, he urged motorists to only convert their vehicles at licensed facilities to guarantee safety and efficiency.
Conversion technology expands fuel flexibility for vehicle owners
At the Kado facility commissioning, Portland Gas Limited CEO Engr. Folajimi Mohammed highlighted that the hybrid conversion kits allow drivers to switch seamlessly between CNG and petrol, offering fuel flexibility for vehicle owners.
Mohammed also revealed that CNG cylinders have a 20-year lifespan, ensuring long-term durability for converted vehicles. This reassures motorists looking for a cost-effective, long-term fuel solution.
To further boost capacity, Oluwagbemi urged Portland Gas to increase its operational hours from 12 to 24 hours, thereby enabling the conversion of more vehicles daily. The current capacity of the Kado facility allows it to convert 12 vehicles per day.
Ambitious plans to drive CNG adoption in Nigeria
The push for CNG adoption is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on petrol and improve Nigeria’s energy mix. Just a year ago, the country had only seven CNG conversion centres. Today, that number has grown to 171, and the government aims to hit 500 centres in 2025.
The initiative is a collaboration between the government, the private sector, and key stakeholders like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, praised the partnership with Portland Gas, calling it a landmark initiative.
“This partnership with Portland Gas is the first of its kind, and we believe it will serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at achieving energy security in Nigeria,” Halilu said.
The Federal Government’s commitment to promoting CNG adoption aims to provide Nigerians with a cleaner, cheaper, and safer alternative to petrol. As conversion centres increase, more motorists are expected to switch to CNG, easing the pressure on the nation’s petrol consumption and supporting its broader energy transition goals.
