By Erewunmi Peace

An energy expert has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative as a strategic and timely solution to Nigeria’s growing energy and transportation crisis.

Speaking at the Transport and Infrastructure Conference and Awards (TICA) in Abuja, Solomon Oseagah, Managing Director of Excella U Energy Limited, described the CNG initiative as a “cleaner, more affordable, and efficient” alternative to petrol and diesel, urging Nigerians to embrace the transition.

“The initiative is a bold move to break Nigeria’s overdependence on costly, imported fossil fuels,” Oseagah said. “With the right mindset shift and policy support, CNG can revolutionise our transportation and energy sectors.”

The CNG Drive: A Government-Led Revolution

Launched in August 2023, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) aims to:

Convert over 1 million vehicles to CNG by 2027,

Reduce fuel costs by up to 50%,

Establish hundreds of conversion centres and CNG filling stations nationwide,

Promote job creation through local assembly and distribution of CNG kits.

So far, over 100,000 vehicles have been converted, with growing interest among commercial transport operators and fleet owners.

⚠️ Challenges Remain

While the CNG programme offers significant cost and environmental benefits, stakeholders point to infrastructure gaps and public skepticism as major barriers:

Limited access to CNG refueling stations in some states,

Long queues at existing conversion centres,

Safety concerns stemming from unlicensed conversions,

General public unfamiliarity with CNG usage and maintenance.

“A national public awareness campaign and regulatory enforcement are crucial if this initiative is to succeed long-term,” Oseagah added.

A Step Toward Sustainable Energy

Analysts believe that the CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader clean energy goals and could significantly cut carbon emissions, reduce fuel import bills, and stabilise the nation’s energy economy.

With ₦760 billion in private investments already pledged to support infrastructure, the Tinubu-led administration insists that this is not just a policy shift—but a long-term energy transformation plan.

Quick Facts

Programme name: Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI)

Launch date: August 2023

Goal: Convert 1 million vehicles by 2027

Savings potential: 40–50% lower fuel costs

Private investment so far: ₦760 billion

Lead government body: Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy