In a nation grappling with rising fuel costs and a pressing need for cleaner, more affordable energy, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has emerged as a promising alternative. From its early conception two decades ago to the active nationwide rollout today, the story of CNG in Nigeria is one of vision, perseverance, and policy alignment with global energy transition trends.
The CNG journey in Nigeria traces back to 2003 when Professor Mohammed Mustapha Ibrahim, the former National Chairman of the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), introduced the idea. Working with key stakeholders, Professor Ibrahim oversaw the construction of eight pilot CNG stations in Benin City, which were commissioned in 2006.
His vision, though ambitious at the time, faced the challenges of low public awareness, limited government policy backing, and Nigeria’s over-dependence on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Yet, those eight stations laid the groundwork for today’s CNG revolution.
For years, the expansion of CNG infrastructure stagnated. However, the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became a tipping point. With petrol prices rising sharply, the government sought alternative solutions to cushion the impact on transportation and commerce.
Thus came the relaunch and scale-up of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), an ambitious plan to make CNG a mainstream fuel for Nigeria’s public and private transport sectors. The program is now spearheaded by Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, PCNGI’s Program Director, who has been instrumental in driving nationwide adoption.
CNG is produced by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume, making it an efficient fuel for vehicles. It is environmentally friendly, emitting fewer pollutants than petrol or diesel. It is economical, with a current price of ₦380 per kg, compared to ₦900–₦1000 per litre for PMS, and safer due to high ignition temperature and built-in leak detection systems.
One of the most recent developments in the CNG story is the expansion into Ibadan, Oyo State. BOVAS, in collaboration with PCNGI, has commissioned two new CNG stations in Ajibode and Alakia, complementing the older station at Toll Gate. These include a fully functional conversion centre at the CNG station in Ajibode.
Ibadan has also seen the conversion of over 2,000 vehicles to CNG, with another 2,000 scheduled nationwide in the next 45 days. The city’s role as a commercial hub makes it a strategic centre for clean energy deployment.
CNG growth in Nigeria reflects a successful synergy between public policies and private sector investments. Companies like BOVAS, NIPCO Gas, AutoClinicNG, and Automation AutoGas are key players helping to scale conversion and distribution infrastructure.
Meanwhile, government-led initiatives such as the Conversion Incentive Program offer free conversion kits and installations to commercial vehicle operators, accelerating adoption across states.
What began as a visionary experiment in 2003 is now becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy policy. With expanding infrastructure, financial incentives, and political will, the shift to CNG could mark a major leap toward energy independence, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Ibadan stands today not just as a beneficiary but as a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, policy, and investment align.
