Nigeria’s AutoCNG infrastructure is expected to undergo remarkable changes, as a result of NIPCO Gas Limited’s collaboration with Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), offering drivers hope for an alternate fuel to white oils.
The Managing Director of NIPCO Gas, Nagendra Verma, made this historic announcement while providing an update on the company’s efforts to increase the usage of gas as vehicular fuel across the country and her pipeline development projects in Lagos.
He said that NIPCO Gas, whose reach extends from Benin City to Ibafo in Ogun State and Kogi State, has been at the forefront of AutoCNG development since its founding in 2009.
According to Verma, the AutoCNG network is ready for much more growth with the help of government efforts, reaching places such as Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the statement, NIPCO Gas guarantees that CNG vehicles exiting Lagos can comfortably drive as far as Abuja and Kaduna because of strategically placed recharging stations along the way. NIPCO Gas currently operates 15 AutoCNG stations nationwide.
“The collaboration between NNPC and NIPCO Gas, guided by the President, highlights a common resolve to providing for the needs of the Nigerian people.
“NIPCO Gas is on track to alleviate the challenges faced by millions of citizens with plans for the construction of 35 new AutoCNG stations; four stations in Lagos are scheduled for completion by April/May 2024.”
He claims that an ambitious network of Auto-CNG stations and other ancillary facilities, such as kits conversion workshops, across the nation has been made possible by the collaboration agreement.
The NIPCO boss who also commended stakeholders including PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, and various Ministries and Departments, emphasized the capital-intensive nature of gas distribution and AutoCNG projects, which demand significant investment and perseverance.
Verma noted beyond AutoCNG, NIPCO Gas is also 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, Verma explained that NIPCO Gas is confident that sustained government support will propel it to become the preferred choice for motorists nationwide, alleviating import pressures and Forex burdens in the process.
“AutoCNG is not merely a project; it represents a national imperative—a cleaner, greener solution that promises to alleviate the burdens faced by the masses and motorists alike. NIPCO Gas extends its gratitude to the Government and media for their unwavering support as they work towards realizing this transformative vision”, Verma said.
