Nigeria is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to put one million gas-powered vehicles on its roads by 2027. The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) is spearheading this ambitious plan, signaling a strategic shift towards sustainable and efficient energy use.
Michael Oluwagbemi, the Chief Executive Officer and Project Director of PCNGi, unveiled the initiative at the first-ever Compressed Natural Gas Stakeholders and Investors’ forum. He outlined a comprehensive vision, including the annual conversion of 250,000 vehicles, the establishment of 40,000 auto gas conversion workshops, and the creation of 750,000 jobs across the emerging CNG value chain by 2027.
The forum showcased Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to a more efficient and sustainable gas-powered economy. It brought together key figures, indigenous and international experts, and critical stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The event provided a platform to evaluate the government’s efforts, explore economic opportunities, and assess the potential of Nigeria’s CNG industry.
The PCNGi boss emphasized that the strategic objectives aim to reduce the cost of transportation, improve the standard of living, and harness Nigeria’s gas resources for economic advantage. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the goal of enhancing economic inclusivity by making the benefits of the CNG revolution accessible to a broad spectrum of the population.
The initiative’s viability lies in its comprehensive approach, covering both demand and supply sides of the industry. Collaborations with the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria and its partners ensure sufficiency on the upstream side. Furthermore, the initiative is actively engaging commercial transport operators to integrate six million vehicles into the CNG ecosystem.
Members of the PCNGi underscored the economic advantages of adopting CNG, highlighting the potential to bring down the cost of transportation for the average Nigerians. They emphasized the abundance of domestic gas resources, obviating the need for petrol subsidies and imports.
Dr. Armstrong Takang, CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and a member of the PCNGi Steering Committee, stressed the importance of training qualified engineers and ensuring the safety of gas-powered vehicles. This commitment to training and safety forms a critical part of the program, setting a foundation for the expansion and sustainability of the CNG ecosystem in Nigeria.
International CNG Expert, Dr. Mohammed El-Gawish, commended Nigeria’s plans and action points, drawing parallels with the success of a similar initiative in Egypt. He validated the potential and feasibility of Nigeria’s CNG initiative, endorsing the promising roadmap and action plans.
Addressing concerns about the conversion of vehicles to CNG, Oluwagbemi reassured Nigerians that costs would be minimal, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring widespread accessibility to the benefits of the CNG revolution.
The forum’s highlights included virtual and physical exhibitions, as well as panel discussions on navigating the CNG ecosystem in Nigeria, the gas potential, pricing, availability, and international perspectives on regulatory best practices.
With Nigeria setting its sights on a future powered by CNG, the initiative holds the promise of transforming the nation’s transportation landscape, driving economic growth, and contributing to global efforts for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
