By giving drivers an alternate fuel option, NIPCO Gas Limited and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited are collaborating to develop the AutoCNG infrastructure across the country.
Nagendra Verma, the Managing Director, NIPCO Gas, disclosed this while giving an update on the company’s efforts in growing use of gas as vehicular fuel across the nation and its pipelines expansion projects in Lagos on Sunday.
He said, the company has been at the forefront of AutoCNG development since its inception in 2009.
Verma added that NIPCO Gas has 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria, starting from Benin City to Ibafo in Ogun State and Kogi State.
He noted that with the collaboration, the AutoCNG network was set to expand to reach key locations such as Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
Verma revealed that the company was planning to construct 35 new AutoCNG stations, with four stations in Lagos expected to be completed by April/May 2024.
“The partnership has facilitated the ambition of AutoCNG stations and other ancillary facilities like kits conversion workshops across the country.
“Beyond AutoCNG, NIPCO Gas is expanding its gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and its gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone, further enhancing indigenous gas utilization and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“With AutoCNG priced competitively against traditional fuels, NIPCO Gas is optimistic that sustained government support will propel it to become the preferred choice for motorists nationwide, alleviating import pressures and Forex burdens in the process”, Verma said.
Verma also commended stakeholders including PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPCL, and others, emphasizing the capital-intensive nature of gas distribution and AutoCNG projects, which demands significant investment and perseverance.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu also approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative the previous year, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles.
However, stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors have stressed that the absence of the needed CNG stations is frustrating the FG’s initiative and stalling the massive roll-out and use of CNG-powered buses.
