The drive to convert vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has gained momentum since President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially following the rise in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices after subsidy removal. Over the next 24 years, the goal is to convert at least 1 million vehicles across Nigeria.

Speaking at the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) Competence Lecture Series Webinar on “Driving the Energy Transition CNG Conversion,” Engr. Zayyanu Tamban Yabo, Coordinator of Regulatory Compliance and Facilitation, highlighted the progress made. “Last year, when we began, only about 10,000 vehicles had been converted over 12 to 15 years,” he said. “Now, we have over 30,000 conversions, and our target is to reach 1 million by the end of this initiative.”

The program focuses on transitioning commercial vehicles, which are high-energy consumers, to cleaner fuel sources. It includes collaboration with transport unions and financial institutions, offering incentives and financial support to make the conversion process more accessible. CNG-powered buses and tricycles have been distributed nationwide as part of the effort, with 20 buses and 200 tricycles already deployed.

The Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Fund (NGIF) is supporting the establishment of refueling stations for these converted vehicles, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability. Tamban Yabo emphasized that this program aims to reduce emissions while building a sustainable transport system for Nigeria.

Despite these strides, concerns persist regarding public awareness and the readiness of infrastructure. Stakeholders, including transportation unions, energy companies, and government agencies, acknowledge these challenges as the initiative progresses.

Olajuwan Oluwasegun, Managing Director of THLD Group, raised concerns over the safety and quality of CNG conversion standards. He noted risks associated with improper installations, emphasizing that adherence to protocols is critical to avoiding incidents. He highlighted the growing problem of substandard and illegal installations, including those learned informally through online tutorials, and stressed the need for stricter regulations.

Oluwasegun also called for a comprehensive review of the conversion processes, especially for different vehicle types, as the complexities vary between petrol and diesel engines. He urged for targeted training and better oversight, particularly as verification of conversion work remains a challenge.

In Benin and Ogun states, overcrowded refueling stations have become a common issue, with long queues of vehicles waiting for inspection. Experts advocate for improved traffic management and the integration of digital records to streamline the verification of installations.

Addressing the recent incident at a NIPCO CNG station in Benin, Ujiadughele Nosiediana Ray, Deputy Manager Operations of NIPCO Gas, emphasized the need for CNG-focused legislation. He mentioned that the government is working on subsidizing CNG and providing frameworks for licensing conversion centers, as well as potentially offering free land for CNG facilities.

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He stressed the importance of public education on CNG safety and urged the use of authorized CNG kits and cylinders. Ujiadughele also highlighted the economic benefits of CNG as an automotive fuel, with a conversion payback period of just three months.

MEMAN underscored the need for safety standards and knowledge transfer to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring the growth of the CNG industry remains safe and efficient.