The Nigerian government is set to deploy 530 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by the end of the month across six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This initiative marks a significant step in the nation’s energy transition, spearheaded by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of PCNGI, announced this development at the commencement of a 15-day series of activities leading up to the rollout. He emphasized that the distribution of the CNG buses will be based on demand and that the program aims to convert diesel and petrol vehicles to CNG nationwide.
“President Tinubu has directed the PCNGI to ensure the conversion of at least 10 percent of the total number of vehicles in the country in the first year of the rollout of the initiative,” Oluwagbemi stated.
The deployment will begin in the states of Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and the FCT. The initiative kicked off in the Southwest with the virtual commissioning of critical gas supply projects by President Tinubu.
The team plans to inspect facilities like the Jets and Mikano Factory, engage stakeholders in Port Harcourt, and tour various assembly plants and refueling stations.
“These programs are a fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to drive Nigeria’s energy transition in the transportation sector leveraging CNG and enabling economic growth,” said Oluwagbemi.
He highlighted that “gas is available in commercial quantities in 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states and noted the growth in CNG filling stations from less than 20 last year to 50 this month.”
To support the initiative, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority (NMDPRA) has mandated all filling stations to install gas pump points.
“Going forward, it would be illegal to operate a filling station in Nigeria without a gas filling point within your premises,” Oluwagbemi added, stressing this will enhance accessibility for end users.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, “urged Nigerians to support the initiative, noting the ministry’s commitment to mobilizing workers to embrace the transition.
“President Bola Tinubu has shown unwavering commitment to the paradigm shift in energy transition from an unpredictable energy to a more sustainable and inclusive energy,” she said.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “praised the initiative as a major step in Nigeria’s energy transition. He highlighted the benefits of CNG, noting its abundance, cleanliness, and economic advantages over fossil fuels.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, mentioned that Oyo has already deployed CNG buses as part of the pilot phase.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Executive Director of the Centre for Mobility and Access Development, emphasized that CNG will be a catalyst for economic growth and help reduce the dominance of fossil fuels.