By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
The Presidency has commended Dangote Refinery’s decision to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), trucks across Nigeria, describing it as a significant step forward in the country’s clean energy transition.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which is spearheading Nigeria’s shift to gas-powered transportation, praised the move as a major boost to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing fuel costs, cutting emissions, and minimizing supply chain risks associated with petroleum distribution.
PCNGI Commercial Coordinator, Tosin Coker, announced the development at the West Africa Economic Summit held in Abuja.
According to Coker, the partnership between PCNGI and the Dangote Group will deepen CNG penetration, especially in haulage and industrial logistics, while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and interoperability in the nationwide rollout of CNG vehicles and stations.
“This collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships can fast-track our national energy objectives.
The deployment of 4,000 CNG trucks is not only a logistics breakthrough but also a transformative signal that Nigeria is serious about clean, affordable energy,” Coker stated.
Already, nearly 300 CNG conversion centers are operational in over 20 states, with the government targeting 1,000 refueling stations nationwide by 2027.
To make CNG adoption more accessible, PCNGI is also working with financial institutions like Credicorp to provide flexible payment options for vehicle conversions under schemes such as the Clean Affordable and Locally Manufactured (CALM), Fund.
Coker further assured Nigerians of the safety and viability of CNG, noting its higher ignition temperature compared to petrol and its rapid dispersion in case of leaks.
He said that all vehicle conversions and stations are subjected to strict safety protocols and certifications, with the forthcoming Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) expected to enhance regulation and monitoring.
The Presidency affirmed that the Dangote Group’s CNG strategy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s energy reforms and economic diversification agenda.
The move is expected to drive innovation, reduce dependence on petrol, and encourage industrial growth powered by cleaner energy solutions.
