CNG Adoption in Nigeria Faces Challenges Amid Rising Transport Costs
Despite increased interest in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) due to surging transport costs, Nigeria's adoption rate remains below 1% of registered vehicles. Key challenges include high conversion costs, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory issues, which limit consumer uptake and hinder the transition to gas-powered mobility.
Nigeria's transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is stalled despite government initiatives aimed at lowering transport costs. Less than 1% of approximately 12 million registered vehicles have converted to CNG due to high conversion expenses, which range from N900,000 to N1.6 million, and a lack of necessary infrastructure for refueling and vehicle conversion.
The Nigerian government has introduced the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) to promote cleaner fuel alternatives, but challenges such as inadequate financing options and public safety concerns persist. In Lagos, the government is also focusing on biogas production to reduce dependence on imports, launching a committee for commercial-scale production of biomethane.
Efforts include converting diesel buses to CNG and introducing electric buses, contributing to reduced emissions and operational costs. Continued investment and infrastructure development are critical for overcoming barriers to CNG adoption.
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