“Though weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning.”

By Ade Iyamoye

In the face of hardship, it is human to feel overwhelmed, to groan beneath the weight of uncertainty and discomfort.

The long queues at CNG stations, the frustrations of delayed conversions, and the temporary scarcity of infrastructure reflect a nation in transition — a country on the edge of something new, yet caught in the growing pains of progress.

This night of inconvenience is real, but fleeting. The dawn is approaching — and with it, the promise of ease, affordability, and sustainability.

The Presidential CNG Initiative, backed by significant government action and private sector engagement, is not a pipe dream, it is a tangible revolution underway.

New stations are being constructed, Kits are being distributed and Investments are flowing. Change is happening. And soon, Nigerians will no longer have to spend hours in line for gas. Soon, the transport sector will breathe again with renewed affordability.

Soon, the benefits of our natural gas wealth will touch everyday lives.

Until then, patience must be our virtue, and advocacy our voice. Let every Nigerian not only endure, but also encourage, pushing for more stations, more partnerships, and more action from every stakeholder.

The night may seem long, but the morning is near. And it promises joy.

By Ade Iyamoye 

The Federal Government has unveiled a bold plan to establish 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres nationwide by 2027, in a sweeping move to shift Nigeria’s transport sector away from petrol to cleaner, cheaper energy.

Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), disclosed the ambitious rollout during an interview, stating that the initiative is well on track.

“We delivered 250 centres in our first year. By the end of 2025, we aim to hit 500, and scale to 1,000 by 2027,” he said.

The project began full swing in October 2024 and has already transformed Nigeria’s CNG landscape.

From a modest seven conversion centres and 11 fuelling stations at inception, the country now boasts over 242 centres, 60 operational stations, and 50,000 CNG vehicles, mostly privately financed.

Oluwagbemi confirmed that over $500 million in private sector investment has been attracted, creating about 10,000 direct jobs.

Despite this progress, he admitted infrastructure remains uneven, with northern states underserved due to limited pipeline coverage.

To bridge the gap, the government is deploying mini-LNG systems to deliver gas to remote regions.

“Our first CNG station in the Northeast launches in Yola in two weeks, with more coming to Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Dutse, and Lafia,” he added.

Addressing concerns about the mismatch between CNG vehicles and fuelling points, Oluwagbemi pointed to strategic partnerships. “NNPC is building 20 stations and has approval for 40 more. Private players like NIPCO, Bovas, FEMADEC, and Matrix are also key.”

He noted that a new Domestic Gas Market Framework will soon ensure gas is priced fairly for consumers and transporters. “In the next few months, with improved supply, we’ll enforce fair pricing to boost affordability.”

On accountability, he dismissed corruption claims as political distractions. “We sanctioned C&L Smart Technologies for kit diversion. We take compliance seriously. If you have proof, report to the authorities, not the press.”

With eyes set on nationwide coverage, the PCNGI boss assured Nigerians that CNG remains the long-term solution to high transport costs in a post-subsidy era.

“We’ve built the awareness. Now, we’re building the access,” Oluwagbemi said.

By Ade Iyamoye 

Nigerians have pushed back strongly against claims that the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), initiative is a failed project, insisting that its success is visible and growing by the day.

The controversy began after an X user known as Duke Of Nigeria (@xagreat)—a self-proclaimed God-fearing APC member and repentant BATist—posted that the CNG campaign had fizzled out because “nobody is paid to promote CNG again.”

He described the project as a “grand wastage of public funds” and tagged it a failure.

But the post quickly drew backlash, with numerous Nigerians citing personal experience and visible progress of the CNG rollout nationwide.

“Commercial transporters in Lagos don dey use am… to fill 75kg no reach 5k,” one user, @Blessing_boiy, responded.

Another, @christ4moi, noted, “CNG stations are opening rapidly across the country due to strong public demand. The sensitization you mislabeled as propaganda seems to have worked.”

Further testimonials pointed to the increasing use of CNG by public and private transport operators. “Plenty keke dey use am for here oo,” another user added.

Others pointed out that hundreds of CNG trucks are now being cleared daily at Nigerian ports, and traditional fuel trucks may soon be phased out.

Despite the growing evidence of CNG’s adoption, Duke Of Nigeria remained dismissive, repeatedly responding to positive replies with, “Are u using it?” and “Story for the gods.”

The Federal Government’s CNG program was introduced as part of efforts to reduce dependence on petrol and ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

While challenges remain, growing adoption suggests the initiative may be gaining ground faster than critics are willing to admit.

As CNG buses, tricycles, and trucks continue to appear on Nigerian roads, citizens say the success of the initiative is no longer a question—it is a fact unfolding daily.