The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to significantly decrease the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, by approximately $4.4 billion annually by embracing the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
This initiative was revealed through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, with the government setting a target to convert one million diesel and petrol-powered vehicles to operate on CNG. Zayyan Tambari, the Coordinator of Regulations, Compliance, and Facilitation for PCNGI, highlighted that this move is expected to result in substantial savings for the country on PMS imports.
Tambari disclosed these details during a presentation at the Co-Creation Session on Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System in Abuja. Additionally, he outlined the government’s aim to replace 20 percent of the current 50 million liters of petrol consumed daily across Nigeria with CNG.
The Federal Government recently initiated the deployment of CNG-powered buses and tricycles, commencing in Ilorin, Kwara State. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed this rollout, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Observers in the energy sector say the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel source aligns with Nigeria’s broader energy diversification strategy and efforts to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. This initiative they say holds the potential to not only drive economic savings but also promote environmental sustainability and energy security in the country.
