The House of Representatives has called for the rapid establishment of additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) centres across Nigeria, citing the urgent need to ease the rising cost of transportation and promote the use of cleaner, more affordable energy alternatives.
This development comes as part of the legislative chamber’s broader support for the Federal Government’s CNG initiative, which aims to transition Nigeria’s transport sector from petrol dependency to the use of natural gas. Lawmakers on the floor of the House emphasized that expanding the country’s CNG infrastructure would not only help reduce transportation costs for millions of Nigerians but also create jobs and foster environmental sustainability.
The lawmakers noted that since the removal of the petrol subsidy in mid-2023, the cost of transportation has skyrocketed, placing additional pressure on households and small businesses. They stressed that CNG offers a viable solution, as it is significantly cheaper than petrol and poses less harm to the environment.
In response to the economic realities and public demand for alternative energy sources, the Federal Government has already commenced the rollout of CNG conversion and refuelling centres. Over 170 centres are currently operational, up from just seven in early 2023, with plans to increase the number to 500 by the end of 2025. The initiative is spearheaded by the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) in collaboration with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).
Furthermore, plans are underway to site CNG conversion hubs in at least 20 federal tertiary institutions nationwide. These facilities will serve both the host communities and the academic population, reducing the cost of transportation for students, staff, and surrounding residents.
The House reiterated its commitment to supporting policies and legislation that will drive the full implementation of CNG adoption in Nigeria, urging both the public and private sectors to invest in gas-powered mobility. It also called for more awareness campaigns to educate the public on the economic and environmental benefits of CNG.
As Nigeria continues to explore alternatives to fossil fuels and tackle post-subsidy challenges, the House’s advocacy for the expansion of CNG infrastructure signals a united front in the push for sustainable, inclusive energy reforms.
