FG SECURES $2BN FOR CNG EXPANSION

The Federal Government has secured more than $2bn in private-sector investment to expand Compressed Natural Gas infrastructure and increase the use of CNG-powered vehicles across Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this in a statement, saying the investment was facilitated through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, launched in 2023.

According to the minister, more than 120,000 vehicles have so far been converted to CNG through over 400 certified conversion centres across the country. More than 90 CNG refuelling stations have also been established.

Ekpo said the investment had supported the development of refuelling infrastructure, vehicle conversion facilities, technical capacity and other parts of the CNG value chain.

The programme has also trained more than 7,700 automotive technicians and created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The government has additionally procured and deployed 655 CNG buses and 5,123 CNG-powered tricycles as part of efforts to expand cleaner and more affordable transportation.

Ekpo said the growing adoption of CNG was already providing benefits to commercial transport operators, private vehicle owners and fleet managers through lower fuel costs.

The Federal Government said it would continue working with private investors and other stakeholders to expand CNG infrastructure and make the fuel more accessible to Nigerians.

The development forms part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on petrol, lower transportation costs and strengthen Nigeria’s domestic gas industry.