In a major step toward cleaner and more affordable energy, the Nigerian government has announced plans to convert filling stations across the country into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) outlets. The directive, issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to promote the use of CNG as a safer, cheaper, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.
Speaking at the State House after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Kperipke Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), outlined the president’s vision for expanding CNG usage nationwide. “We are aware that the president has established a presidential committee on CNG, and he has charged us to ensure that most filling stations across the country are converted into CNG stations,” Ekpo stated.
To support this transition, the government will facilitate access to conversion kits, enabling Nigerians to modify their vehicles to run on CNG. Ekpo highlighted the financial benefits of CNG, noting that while a litre of petrol could cost as much as N1,000, CNG is priced at just N200 per standard cubic meter, offering significant savings for consumers.
This initiative aligns with Tinubu’s recent remarks that Nigerians will have the option to choose between expensive petrol or the more affordable CNG alternative. Ekpo expressed confidence in the government’s ability to drive the CNG initiative to all corners of the country, ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the nation’s abundant natural gas resources.
The move marks a significant effort by the Tinubu administration to reduce the cost of fuel and promote sustainable energy, positioning CNG as a viable and cost-effective solution for the nation’s energy needs.