- NNPC and NIPCO Gas will build 35 CNG stations nationwide through the Presidential CNG initiative.
- So far, they have installed about 18 CNG stations across Lagos, Abuja, Delta, and Ondo states.
In continuous efforts to transition to cleaner and cheaper fuel sources in the transport sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, powered by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), is facilitating the adoption of alternative fuel for vehicles.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, approved by President Tinubu in August 2023, aims to reduce energy costs and ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians. The initiative also targets transforming the transportation sector by introducing 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles.
In 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited executed an incorporated joint venture with NIPCO Gas Plc through the Pi-CNG to promote the rapid growth and development of CNG. This joint venture targets establishing 35 CNG stations across Nigeria. Though it is still in progress, the partnership has recorded remarkable success.
CNG is a cleaner and cheaper source of fuel for transport than petrol and diesel. It is also economical, environmentally friendly, and less corrosive. Engines that use CNG require less maintenance. CNG also offers low operational costs for retail stations and users.
With Nigeria boasting abundant gas reserves, a constant supply of CNG is guaranteed.
In a video on NIPCO Gas’s LinkedIn page, the firm disclosed that on July 4, 2024, NNPC Ltd, through its retail arm, NNPC Retail Limited, commissioned six CNG stations across Abuja, located in Sector Centre C District, Gaduwa, Gwagwalada, Dutse-Bwari, Dei-Dei and Olusegun Obasanjo Way.
Furthermore, NNPC Ltd, through its subsidiary, Nigeria Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), and partner, NIPCO Gas, also commissioned six CNG Autogas stations across Lagos State and Abuja.
NIPCO Gas and NGML commissioned four CNG stations in Lagos along Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja; Challenge bus stop, Mushin; Mobil Road, Apapa; and along the Lekki-Epe expressway, Sangotedo. Meanwhile, they commissioned two stations along the Abuja Airport road and Kubwa in Abuja.
In line with the Presidential CNG initiative, they will also construct CNG mother stations at Lekki, Lagos State; Ore, Ondo State; and Warri, Delta State, each with a daily dispensing capacity of 400,000 scm of CNG, and CNG daughter-booster stations at Tunga Maje, Lugbe, and Madalla Junction in Abuja, each with a daily dispensing capacity of 15,000 scm of CNG.
NIPCO Gas, in an interview with motorists, highlighted the initiative’s positive impacts and the cost-effectiveness of using CNG for their vehicles. One of the motorists interviewed, Engr Momoh Muazu, said, “If I buy fuel worth N30,000, I will use it for about 250km to 280km per day. However, I can use CNG worth N6,000 to cover the equivalent distance, meaning I can save an additional N20,000.”
The NIPCO Gas-NNPCL Presidential CNG Project
NIPCO Gas focuses on adding gas equipment to vehicles, which, according to the firm, is safe and causes no damage to the vehicle. It also increases the lifespan of engines and reduces servicing frequency, as opposed to using petrol or diesel.
Commenting on the development, the deputy manager of NIPCO Gas, Ujiadughele Nosiediana Ray, stressed that CNG vehicles are more cost-effective and profitable, saving motorists over 60 per cent of the cost of running their vehicles. He added that these vehicles are dual-fuel system vehicles and can be switched to the preferred fuel source anytime by clicking a button.
Furthermore, NNPC Ltd reiterated its efforts and plans to drive the CNG adoption agenda and provide Nigerians with safe, sufficient, sustainable, and cleaner fuel.