The number of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres in Nigeria has reached 170, marking significant progress under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI).
This milestone was achieved with the commissioning of the Portland Gas Conversion Centre in Kado, Abuja, as announced by the P-CNGI on Wednesday.
P-CNGI Chief Executive, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, highlighted the initiative’s remarkable growth, stating that the number of centres is expected to rise to 200 by the end of December 2024.
He noted that this would represent a doubling of the initiative’s initial target for the year. From just seven conversion centres in 2023, the initiative has grown exponentially, with all 170 centres now privately owned and operated.
Engr. Oluwagbemi expressed optimism about the future, projecting an ambitious target of 500 conversion centres for 2025.
He emphasized the private sector’s pivotal role in the initiative’s success, pointing out that none of the centres were constructed by the federal government.
At the commissioning event, the Chief Executive Officer of Portland Gas Limited, Engr. Folajimi Mohammed, described the state-of-the-art facility in Kado as capable of converting a car to CNG in just one hour.
He explained that the conversion process ensures vehicles remain hybrid, allowing users to switch between petrol and CNG. He also highlighted the durability of the installed tanks, which can last up to 20 years.
Mohammed acknowledged the current limitations of gas infrastructure in the country and recommended maintaining hybrid systems to address potential fuel supply challenges.
He assured that methane, the primary component of CNG, is safe for use as it is lighter than air.
In addition to the CNG conversion milestone, Oluwagbemi announced plans for free interstate transportation in Abuja during the festive season.
Six additional buses will be introduced to expand the existing fleet of 16, which currently operates routes between Gwagwalada, Keffi, and Nyanya.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, reflected on the long-standing journey of the CNG initiative.
He praised the partnership between the government and the private sector, which combines policy support, infrastructure development, and intellectual property contributions.
With these developments, the P-CNGI continues to advance its goal of promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions across Nigeria.
