By Patrick Idowu
The Federal Government has assured motorists of the safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel, announcing that the number of CNG conversion centres nationwide has risen to 171.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, Abuja, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Director/CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), revealed plans to expand the centres to 200 by year-end and 500 by 2024.
Oluwagbemi emphasized that CNG, when installed at accredited facilities, is significantly safer than petrol, addressing public concerns over the safety of mounting CNG cylinders on vehicles. He highlighted rapid progress, noting the growth from just seven conversion centres a year ago to the current 171.
The Kado centre, with a daily capacity to convert 12 vehicles, is expected to extend its operations to 24 hours to meet demand.
Engr. Folajimi Mohammed, CEO of Portland Gas Limited, stated that each CNG cylinder has a lifespan of 20 years and that hybrid conversion kits allow vehicles to switch seamlessly between gas and petrol.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the partnership with Portland Gas as groundbreaking and pivotal for advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.
