Now That Nigeria is Embracing CNG: Here’s What You Should Know

By Iyojo Ameh

Following the removal of the fuel subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government has turned to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a viable alternative to mitigate the economic impact on Nigerians.

On August 17, 2023, President Tinubu launched the CNG policy, aiming to provide a cheaper and cleaner fuel alternative to petrol.

The CNG initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce the high cost of transportation triggered by the PMS subsidy removal. It focuses on promoting the use of CNG, particularly in mass transit vehicles.

This approach not only aims to lower transportation costs but also to reduce the country’s dependency on imported petrol by capitalizing on Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves.

The government’s plan includes converting existing vehicles, particularly public transport and commercial fleets, to run on CNG. To support this, CNG refueling stations are being set up across the country to make the transition seamless for drivers and operators.

To ensure the smooth rollout of this initiative, a Presidential Task Force has been established. This body is tasked with coordinating efforts, establishing conversion centers, and providing incentives to encourage vehicle owners to make the switch from petrol to CNG.

Key Facts About CNG
As Nigeria embraces CNG, here are important facts to consider:

1. Cleaner Emissions: CNG burns more cleanly than petrol, releasing fewer harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
2. Cost Savings:CNG is generally cheaper than PMS, offering significant savings for drivers, particularly in regions where natural gas is abundant.
3. Energy Efficiency: Vehicles running on CNG tend to have higher thermal efficiency, meaning they extract more energy from each unit of fuel.
4. Abundant Resource: Natural gas is more readily available than petroleum, reducing the risk of supply fluctuations and making it a more sustainable option.
5. Reduced Greenhouse Gases: CNG vehicles emit less carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Engine Longevity: CNG combustion produces fewer carbon deposits, leading to less engine wear and reducing maintenance costs.
7. Energy Security: Countries with significant natural gas reserves, like Nigeria, can reduce reliance on imported oil, enhancing national energy security.
8. Safety: CNG is lighter than air, so in the event of a leak, it disperses quickly, reducing the risk of explosion compared to liquid fuels.
9. Lower Theft Risk: CNG is harder to siphon than liquid fuels, reducing the risk of fuel theft.
10. Government Support: Many governments, including Nigeria’s, offer tax breaks, subsidies, and other incentives to promote the switch to CNG.

Why CNG is a Better Option Than PMS
With its clear benefits, CNG offers a better alternative to PMS:

Environmental Impact: CNG burns cleaner, producing fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Cost Efficiency: CNG is more affordable than PMS, offering long-term savings on fuel costs for both individuals and businesses.
Energy Independence: Utilizing domestic natural gas reserves reduces Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol, ensuring more stability in fuel supply.
Engine Durability: CNG causes less wear on vehicle engines, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer vehicle lifespans.