By Divine Ihechimerem
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) commissioned 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in Lagos and Abuja on Thursday, aiming to reduce transportation costs in the country.
This initiative follows the removal of petroleum subsidies by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023, which significantly increased petrol prices and public transportation costs.
In Abuja, the stations are located on Airport Road, Kubwa, Gaduwa, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1, Dei-Dei, Duste-Bwari Road, and Gwagwalada. In Lagos, the stations are situated at Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Mushin, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Mobile Road, and Apapa.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commissioned the stations as part of the Presidential CNG initiative. This initiative is a strategic partnership between NNPC and one of its partners to expand CNG stations across Nigeria, with plans to construct 35 stations nationwide.
The new CNG stations feature advanced technology and have a combined dispensing capacity of over six million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of CNG per day, serving approximately 15,000 vehicles daily. The stations are powered by gas-driven generators, reducing carbon emissions.
NNPCL GCEO, Mele Kyari, stated: “The CNG journey is irreversible. We will roll it out across the station. Between now and December, we will construct three new CNG plants.”
This development is expected to reduce transportation costs and provide a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative for Nigerians.