By John Ikani
In a major push for cleaner and cheaper fuel, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) unveiled 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Abuja and Lagos. This initiative aims to make CNG readily available to Nigerians.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, officially opened the stations on Thursday. Eight stations are located in Abuja, while Lagos boasts four. Abuja stations can be found on Airport Road, Kubwa, Gaduwa, Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Zone 1), Dei-Dei Junction, Duste-Bwari Road, and Gwagwalada.
The project is a collaboration between NNPC Ltd. and NIPCO Gas Ltd. The stations cater to a wide range of CNG vehicles, including tricycles, cars, buses, and even heavy-duty transport vehicles. With a combined capacity exceeding six Million Standard Cubic Feet (MMSCF) daily, these stations can service approximately 15,000 vehicles.
NNPC highlights the advanced technology employed in these stations. They feature reciprocating and hydraulic booster compressors, ensuring a consistent dispensing pressure of 200 bar for CNG vehicles.
Minister Ekpo emphasized the government’s commitment to the CNG project, highlighting its potential to bring “gas prosperity” to Nigeria. He pointed out the stations’ dual benefit: creating jobs and stimulating local economies while contributing significantly to reducing emissions and combating climate change.
“Gas prosperity is in progress,” declared Ekpo during the commissioning ceremony. He commended NNPC Ltd. for their commitment to making CNG accessible to Nigerians, emphasizing the irreversible nature of this shift.
Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., provided further details. The Abuja station will soon connect to the AKK Gas Pipeline, transforming it into a central CNG hub. Additionally, the stations will utilize gas-powered generators, minimizing carbon emissions.
Kyari explained that CNG will be supplied through “virtual transportation” from mother stations in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Ibafo, Ogun State.
The Airport Road station in Abuja boasts a unique feature: a 5-bay CNG Vehicle Conversion Workshop with the capacity to convert five to six vehicles daily.
This initiative aligns with the Presidential CNG Initiative. Through a strategic partnership between NNPC and NIPCO Gas, 35 CNG stations are planned for construction nationwide.
The Director of the Presidential-CNG Initiative, Mr Toyin Subairu, spoke about the economic advantages of CNG. Compared to the current fuel price of N680 per liter, CNG priced at N230 per liter offers significant savings. Drivers can expect to save around N70,000 per week and a staggering N2.6 million annually.
Subairu acknowledged the initial conversion cost of about N600,000. However, to incentivize commercial vehicle conversion, subsidized kits will be offered at a 50% discount.
Public enthusiasm for CNG conversion is evident in the surge in demand witnessed at existing stations. This has fueled the expansion of CNG stations across the country.
“Station attendants who could previously convert four vehicles daily are now managing 13,” Subairu remarked.
The vision, according to Subairu, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of providing one million free CNG conversion kits to Nigerians. This initiative aims to make clean and affordable fuel accessible to a wider population.
