By Adigun Tope
In October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which aimed to provide cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy, about five months after the petrol subsidy was removed. This initiative was specifically designed to deliver compressed natural gas for mass transit.
To support this initiative, the Federal Government set aside N100bn, which was part of the N500bn palliative budget, to purchase 5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. The government also planned to develop CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations throughout the country.
The government intended to use this initiative to ease the burden of the increased pump price on the people. After months of detailed planning and background work, the committee in charge of the initiative is now ready to deliver on President Tinubu’s vision and promise.
Nigeria, through the Presidential CNG Initiative, has made significant strides in its quest for a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective transportation system, thanks to the successful adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source. The Presidential CNG Initiative has yielded remarkable results, transforming the country’s transportation landscape.
Since its inception, the initiative has witnessed a remarkable surge in CNG adoption, with numerous benefits accruing to vehicle owners, the environment, and the economy. CNG-powered vehicles have proven to be a game-changer, offering a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
Several remarkable milestones have been achieved in Nigeria’s journey towards implementing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
• According to a recent Presidential Information release, four plants owned by JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV are involved in assembling Semi Knocked Down (SKD) components of CNG buses in different parts of the country. JET, which has received the SKD parts, is coupling the buses in Lagos and aims to deliver 200 units before the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
• Brilliant EV is awaiting the arrival of SKD parts, which will arrive in due course. It will assemble electric vehicles meant for states such as Kano and Brono, which currently do not have access to CNG. The electric vehicles will also be available in key Nigerian cities and university campuses.
• It is important to note that the Buhari administration has initiated several gas pipeline projects, including the AKK Pipeline, which will soon be completed by NNPCL. These projects will take gas to the hinterlands of North East and North West, where there is currently a lack of supply.
• The first phase of the project aims to produce over 600 buses this year. Additionally, a new plant on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will assemble thousands of tricycles. The SKD parts, manufactured by the Chinese company LUOJIA in partnership with its local partner, will support the consortium of local suppliers of CNG tricycles. These parts are set for shipment to Nigeria and expected to arrive early in May. About 2,500 of the tricycles will be ready before May 29, 2024.
• Thousands of conversion kits for petrol-powered buses and taxis that are willing to migrate to CNG are also ready with CNG cylinders. The Federal Government intends to provide them at subsidized rates, especially to commercial vehicle drivers, to bring down the cost of public transportation.
Let us critically look at the benefits the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) will yield to us as a nation.
– Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CNG adoption will significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment and mitigating the impact of climate change. Nigeria will reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
– Cost Savings: CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel, that will result in substantial savings for vehicle owners and fleet operators. This will lead to increased economic activity, as individuals and businesses will reinvest their savings in other sectors.
– Increase Energy Security: By harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources, CNG adoption will enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels. This will improve the country’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce the impact of global price volatility.
– Economic Growth: The CNG industry will create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and attract foreign investment. Local manufacturing of CNG cylinders, conversion sites and kits, and other related products will boost the country’s manufacturing sector.
– Improve Air Quality: CNG-powered vehicles emit significantly fewer pollutants, improving air quality and public health. This will lead to a reduction in respiratory problems and other health issues associated with air pollution.
– Increase Vehicle Efficiency: CNG-powered vehicles require less maintenance, have longer engine life, and offer better fuel efficiency, resulting in reduced operating costs and increase productivity.
The Presidential CNG Initiative has set a shining example for other nations, in and beyond Africa, to follow, demonstrating the potential of CNG to transform the transportation sector. As Nigeria continues to embrace this cleaner, greener fuel, the country is poised to reap even more benefits, driving growth, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
The success of the initiative can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society organizations. The government’s supportive policies, tax incentives, and investment in CNG infrastructure have created a conducive environment for adoption. The private sector is playing a crucial role in investing in CNG conversion sites and kits, manufacturing, and marketing. Civil society organizations are expected to raise awareness and promote the benefits of CNG adoption.
As Nigeria looks to the future, it is clear that CNG will play a vital role in the country’s transportation landscape. With continued investment, innovation, and adoption, Nigeria can become a global leader in CNG technology and a model for sustainable transportation development.
~ Adigun Tope, writer and publicist, hails from Lagos. He can be reached via +2347038452904 or aditopbram@gmail.com
