Nigeria Targets 1 Million CNG Vehicle Conversions Over 24 Years Amid Concerns of Gas Safety and Conversion Standards at MEMAN Lecture

* Pi-CNG Vehicle Conversion Initiative to Promote Cleaner Energy

In a strategic effort to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on conventional fuels like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), has declared that over the next 24 years, the initiative aims to convert at least 1 million vehicles throughout the country.

This was revealed by Engr. Zayyanu Tamban Yabo, Coordinator of Regulatory Compliance and Facilitation for the Presidential CNG Initiative, at the Competence Lecture Series Webinar by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) titled “Driving the Energy Transition: CNG Conversion,”

“By last year, only about 10,000 vehicles had been converted over the last 12 to 15 years,” he stated. “Today, that number has exceeded 30,000, and we are aiming for 1 million by the program’s conclusion.” disclosed Engr. Yabo.

The initiative targets commercial vehicles, which consume the most energy in the shortest time. By collaborating with transport unions and financial institutions, the government is providing support, incentives, and financing options to streamline the conversion process.

Yabo also mentioned the distribution of CNG-powered buses and tricycles as part of the initiative. “As of September, we had distributed 20 buses out of a planned 100 and 200 tricycles out of an estimated 500. This program is nationwide, and we are continuing our deployments.”

The Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Fund (NGIF) is crucial in establishing necessary refueling infrastructure, which is essential for the project’s success. “This initiative goes beyond reducing emissions; it aims to create a sustainable transportation future for Nigeria,” Yabo emphasized.

While stakeholders, including transport unions and energy sector companies, have been praised for their contributions, challenges such as public awareness and infrastructure readiness remain. Addressing these issues is vital as the project advances.

The transition to cleaner energy in transportation is expected to positively impact the economy and support Nigeria’s environmental objectives, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainability in this sector.

However, concerns about gas safety and conversion standards persist.

Olajuwan Oluwasegun, Managing Director of THLD Group, pointed out that improper installations pose significant risks, referencing recent incidents. “Even poorly installed systems can function safely if procedures are followed correctly,” he noted, stressing the importance of proper installation protocols.

Oluwasegun also expressed worries about the rise of substandard and illegal installations, particularly those learned through informal channels like online tutorials. “It’s alarming that step-by-step guides for improper installations are readily available,” he said, highlighting the need for stringent regulations.

He called for a thorough review of CNG and LPG conversion processes, especially for various vehicle types. While petrol engine conversions allow for switching between gas and petroleum, diesel conversions are more complex, requiring simultaneous injection of both fuels. This technical distinction necessitates targeted training and oversight.

Another significant industry challenge is verifying conversion work. Although some conversion centers have been approved by Nigeria’s National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), concerns about installer expertise remain. “One car cannot serve as a training tool for multiple people; we need improved training structures,” he explained.

The issue of overcrowded refueling stations, especially in Benin and Ogun states, where vehicles often queue for inspections, also demands attention. Experts called for better traffic management and refueling infrastructure to streamline operations.

Technological solutions, such as digital records for installation verification, were proposed to enhance efficiency. “We need to synergize these processes,” they stated, advocating for digital tracking systems to authenticate installations at approved centers. This approach would enable regulators, including road safety officials, to better oversee converted vehicles.

The overarching message from the MEMAN event was clear: as the industry expands, maintaining safety standards and effective knowledge transfer is crucial to prevent accidents and inefficiencies.