- Former NEMA Director Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (Rtd) has stressed that inadequate infrastructure and gas supply challenges limit Nigeria’s reliance on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
- Iyamu called for increased infrastructure investment and a shift towards renewable energy, warning that without significant improvements.
Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (Rtd), former Acting Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has called attention to the critical role that infrastructure and gas supply play in the sustainability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria. Speaking with ARISE NEWS on August 14, Iyamu emphasised that the future viability of CNG in Nigeria hinges on addressing significant infrastructure challenges and ensuring a stable gas supply.
During the interview, Iyamu pointed out that while CNG technology has been used since World War I, Nigeria’s potential to fully benefit from this resource is hampered by inadequate infrastructure. Despite Nigeria’s status as holding the largest gas reserves in sub-Saharan Africa and the second-largest amount of fossil fuel reserves after Libya, many Nigerians still face energy access issues.
Iyamu stated, “The future survivability of CNG is the availability of gas; infrastructure is our challenge.” He reflected on past initiatives, such as the 2020 natural gas expansion and 2021 Nigerian gas programmes.
He noted that these efforts have not sufficiently addressed the infrastructure needs for widespread CNG adoption. “The world is moving towards renewable energy, and while CNG could reduce transport costs, it also poses risks like safety and environmental concerns,” Iyamu warned.
Iyamu urged a shift in focus towards renewable energy, highlighting that Africa, despite its vast resources, has less than 5% penetration in this sector. He stressed that reliance on traditional energy sources like CNG alone is insufficient for meeting the continent’s energy needs and addressing environmental challenges.
Additionally, Iyamu raised concerns about the potential risks associated with CNG, such as pressure issues, fire hazards, and safety concerns. He warned that burning compressed gas could lead to the production of nanocarbon, which has significant health implications.
Iyamu’s call to action focuses on improving infrastructure and investing in sustainable energy solutions. He emphasised that Nigeria must move beyond traditional technologies and invest in innovative solutions to harness its energy resources effectively.
“We must not weave our policies around our inadequacies,” Iyamu cautioned, urging for proactive government involvement and significant investment in infrastructure to realise the potential benefits of CNG and other energy technologies. Without these changes, Nigeria risks missing out on the opportunities presented by its energy resources.