FG’s CNG Initiative Takes Off: Commercial Drivers in Lagos to Benefit from Cleaner, Cost-Effective Transport
Hauwa Ali
In a major step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependency on petrol and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, the Federal Government has launched the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits to commercial vehicle drivers in Lagos State.
This initiative, which is part of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, aims to transform the transportation sector by offering free CNG conversion kits to drivers of commercial vehicles, particularly those in Lagos, a bustling hub of economic activity and heavy traffic.
Speaking at one of the conversion centers in Ojota, Omoh Imoukhuede, the Commercial Operations Manager for the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), stressed the importance of the project in promoting a healthier environment. “This initiative is about more than just economic benefits. It’s about ensuring that the vehicles on our roads contribute to a cleaner environment. The adoption of CNG will help reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants in Lagos,” Imoukhuede explained.
He also highlighted that transitioning to CNG will lower transportation costs significantly. CNG is not only cheaper than petrol but is also domestically abundant, reducing Nigeria’s need to import fuel. “The cost of CNG is far lower than petrol, which means drivers can cut down on their daily fuel expenses. This translates to lower costs for commuters, too,” he added.
The program’s overarching goals are to create a cleaner environment, reduce transportation costs, and provide broader economic benefits for Nigeria. With conversion centers spread across three geopolitical zones in Lagos, the initiative seeks to convert up to 10,000 vehicles to run on CNG, a cleaner and cheaper alternative to petrol.
This initiative is a critical part of the government’s broader effort to diversify the country’s economy, move away from over-reliance on oil, and address pressing environmental concerns. In Lagos, a city notorious for its traffic congestion and air pollution, this initiative is not only an economic necessity but also an environmental one.
Compressed Natural Gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline, diesel, or propane, and it burns cleaner than all three. When used in vehicles, CNG reduces harmful emissions, making it a significant contributor to cleaner air. For a megacity like Lagos, where air pollution levels frequently exceed safe limits, this is particularly crucial.
Lagos, being the economic nerve center of Nigeria, has one of the highest concentrations of commercial vehicles in the country. These vehicles are essential for the city’s economy, transporting millions of commuters daily. The high demand for transportation has, over time, led to increased fuel consumption, with a subsequent rise in fuel costs due to fluctuating global oil prices. With this CNG initiative, drivers and operators can keep their businesses profitable while reducing the financial burden on everyday citizens who rely on commercial transportation.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the Presidential Initiative on CNG has a broader economic significance. Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil has been a double-edged sword. While oil exports have historically driven the nation’s economy, fluctuating oil prices have often put the country in precarious financial positions. The CNG initiative is part of a strategy to shift the economic focus toward other sectors and reduce the country’s vulnerability to global oil price shocks.
CNG offers a viable alternative. Nigeria has an abundance of natural gas reserves—estimated to be one of the largest in the world—making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for the country. By converting vehicles to run on natural gas, Nigeria can reduce its fuel importation bills and make better use of its natural gas resources.
“The introduction of CNG as a fuel for commercial vehicles has the potential to save billions of naira in fuel subsidies. It also opens up the natural gas market, which is a largely untapped resource for the country. This is a step towards utilizing our natural resources more efficiently and benefiting all Nigerians,” said Imoukhuede.
For commercial drivers, this shift offers immediate financial relief. The cost of maintaining and operating petrol-powered vehicles can be overwhelming, especially for those who depend on these vehicles for their livelihoods. CNG is not only more affordable but also extends the life of the engine, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
While the initiative is promising, not all vehicles are eligible for conversion. Imoukhuede noted that thorough diagnostics will be conducted on vehicles before they are fitted with the CNG kits. “It’s important to understand that not every vehicle can be converted. We need to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect working condition before the conversion process can begin. This is essential for the safety of the driver and passengers,” he cautioned.
This diagnostic process is critical for ensuring that the converted vehicles will perform efficiently with CNG and meet safety standards. Vehicles that are not in good mechanical condition may pose risks after conversion, hence the careful selection process.
The distribution of CNG kits in Lagos is only the beginning. The Federal Government has plans to expand the initiative beyond Lagos to other regions in Nigeria. The conversion centres established in Lagos are expected to cater to 10,000 vehicles, but similar efforts are underway in other parts of the country.
This national rollout is expected to create job opportunities in the emerging CNG sector, including in areas such as conversion kit installation, maintenance, and CNG supply chain management. As more vehicles transition to CNG, the demand for skilled workers in these fields will grow, further boosting economic activity and job creation.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to energy consumption, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability. By providing free conversion kits to commercial drivers in Lagos, the government is easing the financial burden on drivers and commuters and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.
As the initiative expands across Nigeria, it has the potential to transform the country’s transportation sector, reduce fuel costs, and contribute to a greener future. For the thousands of drivers benefiting from the program, it offers an economic and environmental lifeline that could shape the future of Nigeria’s urban centres for years to come.