Nigeria Expands CNG Conversion Centres from 7 to Over 300 — FG

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Federal Government says it has scaled up its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure from just seven to over 300 conversion centres, nationwide.

Project Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), Michael Oluwagbemi, stated this during an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the CNG Policy in Abuja.

He said that while the initiative started in only five states, it now has a presence in 24 states.

He added that PCNGi has partnered with various sectors to provide free vehicle conversions and has been training young Nigerians ahead of the rollout of the programme’s second phase.

Oluwagbemi also disclosed that two staff members were recently been dismissed for misconduct, reiterating the initiative’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

He appealed to lawmakers for additional funding to expand the project nationwide.

Support for Clean Energy

Representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), James Ekperikpe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Vitalis Ibe, said the initiative remains a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative that will help reduce emissions and combat climate change.

They noted that public interest in CNG is growing due to its safety and affordability.

Legislative Oversight

Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Sada Soli, said the hearing was aimed at assessing the implementation of the CNG policy.

He described the programme as a key component of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

“The policy represents a strategic shift towards cleaner, safer, and more economically viable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels,” Mr Abbas said.

He pointed to concerns over the slow pace of implementation, infrastructure gaps, and safety standards, calling for accountability and transparency in the deployment of funds and delivery of services.

Mandate of the Committee

Chairman House Ad-Hoc Committee on Implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Policy in Nigeria, Jaha Usman, said the hearing followed House Resolution HR.123/05/2025 and was convened under sections 62, 88, and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, empowering the National Assembly to investigate government programmes.

He said the committee’s mandate was to interrogate four core issues: safety, equitable access to CNG centres, compliance with international standards, and adequacy of regulatory frameworks.

Among the key questions raised were:

* How has the ₦100 billion from the ₦500 billion palliative fund been spent?

* Is the claimed ₦760 billion in private investment verifiable?

* Are CNG stations equitably distributed across urban and rural areas?

* What systems are in place to ensure safety and prevent substandard conversions?

The committee also questioned the affordability of conversions and the level of public awareness and technical capacity needed for the programme’s success.

Industry Support

In his presentation, the Executive Vice President, Gas, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Lekan Ogunleye, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for reviving the CNG policy after previous failed attempts.

He said the NNPCL has appointed a liaison officer to coordinate with investors and support private sector engagement, adding that “the backbone infrastructure is in place.”

Ogunleye said the company aims to offer Nigerians a 50% discount on vehicle conversions.

Stakeholder Endorsement

Representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and other stakeholders at the hearing endorsed the initiative.

They urged the government to ensure that all states benefit from the scheme and attested to the safety of CNG as a fuel alternative.