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Stakeholders advocate for govt support to encourage CNG use – EnviroNews
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To encourage Nigerians to adopt compressed natural gas (CNG) and mitigate the economic impact of the country’s removal of fuel subsidies, stakeholders in the oil, gas, and transportation sectors have urged the government to enhance infrastructure and ensure affordable financing.
Speaking at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the National Compressed Natural Gas Forum (NCNG-F) in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, they identified supply shortages, high conversion costs, and a lack of sufficient refuelling stations as key obstacles preventing many citizens from adopting this alternative source of energy.
The National Chairman of NCNG-F, Faruk Abdullahi, said stronger collaboration among government, transport unions, industry operators, and financial institutions was necessary to translate CNG policies into widespread adoption.
Abdullahi identified stakeholder mobilisation, practical solutions to adoption barriers, and clear implementation commitments as priorities for the meeting. The chairman also encouraged participating organisations to appoint CNG focal persons, organise awareness campaigns, and develop pilot conversion programmes.
He expressed concern that the removal of the fuel subsidy had driven up transportation and operating costs, highlighting the growing need for affordable alternative energy sources. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the widespread adoption of CNG would hinge on factors such as accessibility, affordability, safety, a reliable supply, and sufficient infrastructure.
Abdullahi called transport unions and associations to mobilise their members, facilitate access to credible conversion centers, and negotiate group conversion arrangements to reduce costs. He also tasked financial institutions to provide affordable financing for vehicle conversions and CNG infrastructure.
Executive Secretary of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Aleg L. Ogbogo, identified the gap between demand and supply as a major challenge, noting that establishing a CNG refuelling station could cost more than N300 million.
Other industry actors lamented the inadequate number of operational refuelling stations and conversion centers, warning that poor infrastructure and high conversion costs could discourage potential users. They called for increased investment, capacity building, and affordable interest rates to support the sector.
The National Treasurer of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Amaoge Chukwudi, said more than 500 vehicle conversions had been completed and 90 refuelling stations established across 25 states since 2023. She expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would extend CNG services to more states and support cleaner energy adoption.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Petroleum Retailers Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) called for government intervention to ease the financial burden on operators and expand infrastructure. Uche George said PETROAN could not shoulder the responsibility alone, while another petroleum marketers’ representative urged the government to encourage CNG facilities at filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of transparent pricing, quality conversion services, compliance with safety standards, and public awareness to build confidence in CNG as an alternative fuel.
Representatives of NUPENG, tanker drivers, transport operators, petroleum marketers, and other industry associations attended the meeting. They maintained that stronger partnerships, improved infrastructure, and accessible financing would be critical to expanding CNG adoption, reducing transportation costs, and maximising Nigeria’s natural gas resources.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
