Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are emerging as an alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles in Nigeria. Some say this transition is primarily driven by a global push toward cleaner energy solutions, but I beg to differ. Malaysia has already set a date in 2025 to ban all CNG vehicles – are we more zealous than them in transitioning to cleaner energy solutions? The catalyst for the adoption of CNG vehicles in Nigeria is the Federal Government of Nigeria. The current government of President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies which unfortunately paved the way for skyrocketed petrol prices and inflation. And as usual, CNG looked like an alternative to many Nigerian car owners.
In fact, there is a Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), launched in August 2023, with hopes to take advantage of Nigeria’s huge gas reserves of about 200tn cubic feet, which is Africa’s largest. The government went further to set an ambitious target for the conversion scheme. It hopes to convert 150,000 vehicles by the end of 2024, and it is 50,000 vehicles shot from hitting that target according to the director of the initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi. So, it is quite clear that economic challenges pushed Nigerians to consider CNG as alternative vehicle fuel, not the need to transition to cleaner energy. Let’s get this right first.
In Nigeria, a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the adoption of CNG vehicles represents a significant shift. However, this transition brings unique implications for safety, infrastructure, and economic readiness, especially considering Nigeria’s existing challenges with energy and transportation systems.
One critical aspect of adopting CNG vehicles in Nigeria is safety. There are widespread perceptions that CNG vehicles are walking time bombs. In an episode that made national headlines, a car exploded at a filling station in Benin city in October, severely injuring three people. In a country where public trust is scarce, the Benin explosion is a significant obstacle to the Pi-CNG initiative. However, the government aggressively defended the scheme, saying the vehicle that exploded had been worked on by an unlicensed conversion mechanic and that misinformation was behind much of the safety concerns being raised. No amount of sugar coating will take away the safety concerns of CNG vehicles in Nigeria.
Think about it; Nigeria isn’t that orderly yet for vehicles to drive around with a potential explosion ingredient in the form of CNG. Most Nigerians are careless and used to endangering themselves. CNG is not petrol or diesel; it is a gas stored in high-pressure tanks, making the potential risks of accidents more complex. Improper handling, faulty installations, or substandard CNG cylinders can lead to severe accidents, such as leaks or explosions like we saw in Benin.
In countries with well-regulated CNG adoption, safety standards ensure the proper installation and maintenance of CNG kits. For Nigeria, the lack of stringent safety standards in vehicle conversions and refueling station operations could present substantial risks. There is also a need for widespread public awareness about the proper handling and safety measures required for CNG vehicles. Without education and enforcement (which we are not so good at), the risk of safety incidents could hinder public confidence in CNG technology.
Beyond safety concerns, Nigeria’s readiness for a large-scale CNG transition faces significant challenges. The success of CNG vehicles relies heavily on an established and well-maintained infrastructure for refueling and maintenance. Nigeria currently lacks an extensive network of CNG refueling stations. Currently CNH conversion and filling stations are only in 13 out of 36 states in Nigeria. This insufficiency could lead to accessibility challenges, discouraging potential adopters of CNG vehicles. In comparison, countries like India, which has seen substantial growth in CNG adoption, have invested heavily in developing a robust CNG infrastructure over decades. Nigeria’s government and private sector must collaborate to develop similar infrastructure while ensuring it is evenly distributed across urban and rural areas.
The economic aspect of transitioning to CNG vehicles also raises questions about affordability and implementation. While CNG is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, the upfront costs for vehicle conversion or purchasing new CNG-compatible vehicles can be prohibitively high for many Nigerians. Some reports have estimated that the cost for private vehicles to switch to CNG-powered vehicles is almost 20 times our minimum wage. These costs may limit adoption, especially in the midst of all the multidimensional economic constraints Nigerians are going through. To address this, the Nigerian government must consider providing incentives, subsidies, or low-interest loans to promote the adoption of CNG vehicles. Without these measures, the financial barriers could exclude large sections of the population from participating in this transition.
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Moreover, the implications of CNG adoption for Nigeria’s existing energy policies and environmental goals are significant. Bola Tinubu’s government may see CNG as an opportunity to reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint, by producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. However, this requires a well-coordinated strategy that aligns with the broader goals of energy transition and sustainable development. We must also consider our vast natural gas reserves as an opportunity to fuel the domestic CNG market, potentially reducing dependency on imported fuels and promoting local energy utilization.
Public perception and education will play an essential role in determining the success of CNG vehicles in Nigeria. Misinformation or lack of awareness about the benefits and risks of CNG could deter adoption. Campaigns to educate the public about the environmental and economic advantages of CNG vehicles, coupled with clear guidelines on safety, must be prioritized. I have written many times in this column about the need for environmental education. Experiences from other countries show that public acceptance grows significantly when people are informed and reassured about the reliability and safety of new technologies. Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency needs urgent revival.
Furthermore, the global context of CNG adoption offers valuable lessons for Nigeria. Countries that have successfully implemented CNG vehicles often have strong regulatory frameworks, incentives for adoption, and consistent government support. For instance, Pakistan, another developing country, has integrated CNG vehicles extensively by investing in infrastructure and providing financial incentives. However, Pakistan has also faced challenges such as inconsistent gas supply and quality issues. Nigeria must learn from these experiences to create a robust and sustainable CNG ecosystem while avoiding pitfalls observed elsewhere.
The transition to CNG vehicles in Nigeria also has potential implications for the workforce and skill development. The introduction of CNG technology will require specialized training for mechanics, technicians, and refuelling station operators – which I want to assume the government is working on. Nigeria’s current vocational training programs may need to be expanded to include modules on CNG vehicle maintenance and safety. This presents an opportunity for job creation and skill enhancement, provided that the necessary training infrastructure is put in place.
Finally, the environmental benefits of adopting CNG vehicles in Nigeria must be emphasised as a key motivator. With rising air pollution levels in major cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt, CNG vehicles offer a cleaner alternative that could significantly reduce pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under international climate agreements to reduce emissions and combat climate change. However, the environmental benefits will only be realized if the transition is managed effectively and does not lead to unintended consequences, such as gas leaks during production or distribution.
In conclusion, the adoption of CNG vehicles in Nigeria presents a complex mix of opportunities and challenges. Safety concerns, infrastructure readiness, economic barriers, and public perception are all critical factors that must be addressed to ensure a successful transition. By learning from global experiences and investing in education, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, we can unlock the potential benefits of CNG vehicles, including reduced emissions, economic savings, and energy security. However, a well-coordinated approach is essential to navigate the risks and make this transition a reality.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com
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Kind Regards,
Olamide Francis
