The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully secured over $2 billion in investments aimed at expanding the country's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce transportation costs and promote cleaner energy solutions across the nation.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the investment during a press briefing, emphasizing the government's commitment to making CNG a viable alternative to traditional fuels. He noted that the investments have significantly bolstered the growth of CNG infrastructure since the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) in 2023.

As a result of these efforts, more than 120,000 vehicles have already been converted to run on CNG, supported by over 400 certified conversion centres and the training of 7,700 technicians. The initiative has also led to the establishment of more than 90 refuelling stations across Nigeria, with plans to increase this number to 1,000 stations by adding 500 more in the near future.

Ekpo highlighted the importance of CNG in addressing the rising costs of transportation and living expenses, particularly following the removal of the petrol subsidy. He stated that the growing adoption of CNG among commercial transport operators, private vehicle owners, and fleet managers has resulted in significant fuel savings and improved profitability for many.

“Commuters using CNG-powered buses are beginning to benefit from lower transport fares,” Ekpo explained. He stressed that the goal of the CNG initiative is not only to increase the number of CNG vehicles and refuelling stations but also to translate these fuel savings into lower transportation and logistics costs, thereby easing the cost of living and enhancing economic productivity.

The minister also pointed out that the CNG programme has facilitated the procurement and deployment of 655 CNG-powered buses and 5,123 CNG tricycles, which are now operational within Nigeria's commercial and public transport networks. These developments have created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, showcasing the initiative's potential to stimulate economic growth.

In addition to the expansion of CNG infrastructure, the government has launched a portal to allow youths access to CNG-powered tricycles, popularly known as Keke. This move aims to further promote the use of cleaner energy solutions among the younger population.

With the ongoing commitment to expand CNG infrastructure and its adoption, the Nigerian government is poised to transform the transportation landscape, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly for all citizens.