LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-In a bid to promote the usage of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and decrease the dependency on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, the Federal Government on Thursday, convened with transporters and stakeholders in the transportation sector.
During the meeting in Abuja, it was disclosed that converting a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle to CNG would cost between N1.2 million and N1.5 million.
To encourage this transition, the government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), announced it would cover 50% of the conversion cost, amounting to between N600,000 and N750,000 per transporter.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on May 29, 2023, that the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) “subsidy is gone” he launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI).
This initiative is focused on expanding the utilization of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across Nigeria, leveraging the nation’s vast gas reserves.
At the Abuja meeting, organized by P-CNGI and Portland Gas Limited in collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, the Programme Director of P-CNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, emphasized the need for sustainable transportation through the adoption of CNG.
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Oluwagbemi, represented by P-CNGI official Tosin Coker, assured transporters and stakeholders at the meeting that the Federal Government would cover a portion of the costs needed for vehicle conversions.
“To reduce the cost of public transport, we are catalysing the sector by supporting the introduction of CNG buses and tricycles (Keke). In the next days you will witness these buses on the streets of Abuja, even as we also start to make conversion kits available at 50 per cent discount to the transport sector,” he stated.
Regarding financing and infrastructure, he highlighted that their inaugural investor forum in December 2023 attracted substantial interest from companies now investing in the sector. “I am pleased to report that well over $50m has been mobilised directly by the sector since then, more than any amount mobilised in the last 10 years combined”
“We are also enabling ordinary Nigerians, particularly transport operators, to convert their vehicles. Last month, on May 29, we announced the Conversion Incentive Programme, making it easier for Nigerians to adopt CNG. This effort is supported by private sector partners, development funds, and banks, all eager to finance this transformative initiative.”
During his presentation at the event, Managing Director of Portland Gas, Folajimi Mohammed, disclosed that converting vehicles powered by petrol or diesel to run on CNG would cost between N1.2 million and N1.5 million.
“The cost of conversion can vary depending on the vehicle model, size of the CNG tank, and the conversion centre, but it typically ranges from N1.2m to N1.5m,” he stated.
On what the conversion process entails, he said, “The conversion involves installing a CNG tank, fuel lines, regulators, and other accessories in the vehicle. Certified CNG conversion centres handle the entire conversion process, which typically takes three hours. The vehicle’s existing petrol system is kept intact, allowing the driver to switch between petrol and CNG as needed.”
Regarding safety concerns with CNG conversions, Mohammed stated that CNG tanks and systems are equipped with robust safety features, making them a safe fuel option when installed by certified professionals.
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However, he emphasized the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to ensure ongoing safe operation.
Commenting on the mileage difference between petrol and CNG, the Portland Gas boss said, “The average rule of thumb is that for every one litre of petrol, you can achieve 14km. In the case of CNG, 1scm (standard cubic meter) of gas would take you 18km.
“CNG-converted vehicles generally see a 10 to 20 per cent reduction in fuel efficiency compared to the original petrol version. However, the reduced fuel cost of CNG often offsets this mileage difference.”
He also stated that 1scm of CNG was about N200, while the average cost of one litre of petrol was N700, adding that “you will be saving more than 77 per cent of your normal cost for buying petrol when you run your car engine on dual-fuel (CNG and petrol or diesel).”
On how to find a gas station, Mohammed said, “You can use online tools and mobile apps to locate CNG refuelling stations in your area. Kindly note that availability of our station is underway.”