Over 100,000 Vehicles Converted to CNG in One Year, Says FG as Alternative Fuel Push Gains Momentum

Federal Government has confirmed that over 100,000 petrol-powered vehicles have been successfully converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) within the past year. This rapid adoption underscores the administration’s commitment to mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal and promoting cost-effective, environmentally friendly energy alternatives.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), during a sensitisation workshop in Lagos. A formal statement was released the following day, emphasizing the strategic progress of the initiative in boosting nationwide adoption of CNG.

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From 4,000 to 100,000: A Rapid CNG Expansion

Oluwagbemi described the transformation as “remarkable,” noting that Nigeria’s CNG-powered vehicle fleet has jumped from fewer than 4,000 vehicles to nearly 100,000 in just over 12 months.

“The President’s vision was clear from the onset—leverage domestic energy sources like natural gas to ease economic pressure on citizens and build a resilient transport system,” he said.

Initially met with skepticism and low public awareness, the initiative has quickly gained traction. “Today, Nigerians are not just embracing CNG—they’re demanding it,” Oluwagbemi added.

Private Sector Confidence and Investments Surge

The PCNGI boss also highlighted growing confidence from private stakeholders. Notably, the Dangote Group has deployed 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, signaling strong corporate belief in the viability of the initiative.

“This is not a government-only effort. It’s a public-private partnership in action,” he said.

So far, over $1 billion has been poured into the sector, including:

• $280 million from Dangote Group
• $28 million from Arita LNG
• Additional contributions from Femadec, Greenview, and Greenville

This wave of investment has powered the creation of 265 conversion centres nationwide—up from just seven in 2023—and expanded operational CNG refuelling stations from 20 to 60, with 175 more currently under development.

The initiative has also generated over 10,000 direct jobs, solidifying its role in Nigeria’s broader economic recovery strategy.

Safety and Cost-Effectiveness Drive Adoption

Oluwagbemi addressed public concerns about CNG safety, asserting that it is “18 times less explosive than petrol and eight times less than diesel.” He dismissed recent explosion reports as either exaggerated or related to petrol-powered vehicles.

He emphasized that beyond safety, CNG adoption directly reduces transport and food costs, thereby elevating household income levels. “In Lagos, for example, the price of meat has dropped in some areas because livestock is now transported using CNG trucks,” he explained.

Transport unions and logistics operators have lent their support to the initiative. Groups such as the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) are now key stakeholders in the programme.

Voices from the Field: Operational Cost Relief and Challenges

Babatunde Karim, an executive member of RTEAN, lauded the initiative’s impact on operational efficiency. “We used to spend about ₦50,000 on petrol for a single trip. Now, with CNG, it’s down to ₦12,000. That’s a huge relief for drivers,” he noted.

Karim confirmed that many commercial operators—including drivers of Lagos’ iconic yellow buses—have embraced the conversion. However, he raised concerns over inconsistent gas supply and low pressure at filling stations.

“There are times we queue for hours only to find out there’s no gas or no pressure. This needs urgent attention,” he warned.

Independent Marketers Call for Government Support

Dele Tajudin, representing the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), echoed the need for government intervention, especially in infrastructure funding and regulatory streamlining.

“Most filling stations were built for petrol and diesel. Converting them to CNG is not plug-and-play—it requires significant structural changes, planning approvals, and capital,” Tajudin said.

He warned that the lack of CNG infrastructure had already resulted in long queues and limited access, especially in rural areas. “Independent marketers are everywhere. We can drive this transition, but we need financial and technical support to upgrade our facilities,” he stressed.

Next Phase: 250,000 Conversions and 100 New Stations

Oluwagbemi revealed that the initiative’s next goal is to convert 250,000 additional vehicles, working in tandem with private sector partners.

“Within the next three months, we’ll commission 100 new CNG stations across the country,” he stated confidently.

He also defended the pace of progress, responding to critics: “Rome wasn’t built in a day. Those who led Nigeria into the fuel subsidy crisis should not be the loudest critics of our solution.”

 A Transformative Energy Shift in Motion

The rapid conversion of over 100,000 vehicles to CNG within a year represents a major leap in Nigeria’s energy transition efforts. As more Nigerians, businesses, and transport unions embrace the shift, the Federal Government’s initiative is not only providing financial relief to citizens but also creating new opportunities for jobs and investment.

With expanded infrastructure, greater awareness, and sustained private sector involvement, the PCNGI is well-positioned to deliver on its promise of a cheaper, safer, and more sustainable transport future for Nigeria.