The Struggles of CNG Users in Nigeria
Long queues have become a common sight in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various states across Nigeria, particularly for drivers who have converted their vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). These queues have turned into a daily challenge, with many drivers spending hours waiting and even sleeping at filling stations just to access the fuel. This situation has significantly impacted both private and commercial vehicle owners, especially those who were given free conversion kits by the government after the removal of fuel subsidies.
The scarcity of CNG supply and the lack of sufficient filling stations have further exacerbated the problem. In an effort to address this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) in August 2023. This initiative aims to promote the use of CNG as a cleaner alternative to petroleum motor spirit (PMS) and ease the burden caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is at the forefront of implementing this plan, with billions of naira allocated to develop CNG infrastructure nationwide.
Despite these efforts, the challenges persist. Many drivers who have embraced CNG are now facing significant difficulties due to the lack of adequate supply and the limited number of functioning filling stations. Commercial drivers, in particular, have voiced their frustrations, highlighting that the situation is worsening as more Nigerians convert their vehicles to CNG without a corresponding increase in the number of dispensing points.
Drivers’ Frustrations and Challenges
In Abuja, commuters have expressed their growing frustration with the long queues at CNG stations. A commercial taxi driver, Basil Okafor, shared his experience, stating that he often spends the night in his car just to get gas. He mentioned that the promise of CNG being cheap, clean, and available has not materialized, making it a stressful and unprofitable option for drivers.
Similarly, Ahmad Abdullahi, an e-hailing driver, said he spends over five hours each day waiting for CNG. He noted that while there are multiple stations in different areas, most of them operate below capacity, leaving drivers stranded. Nuhu Musa, another taxi driver, added that the long waits have affected their ability to meet rush hours, with some drivers receiving low-pressure gas due to the high demand.
At the Gosa CNG station, drivers described the experience as “stressful and inhumane.” Olai Danjuma, a motorist from Mpape, noted that the queues have become longer than during previous fuel shortages. He criticized the practice of station attendants accepting bribes from those who skip the queue, which further complicates the process for regular users.
Calls for Government Intervention
Many drivers have called on the federal government to take immediate action to address the issues. They suggest setting up a task force to monitor activities at the stations and prevent abuse. Some also recommend expanding operating hours at busy stations and opening new outlets to ease the pressure on existing facilities.
A motorist highlighted that while the government has promoted the switch to CNG, the implementation has been poorly managed. He pointed out that despite the availability of many gas stations, most are not functional, and the few that are operational cannot meet the demand. He also suggested issuing more CNG licenses to independent marketers who can build stations and help alleviate the current shortage.
Challenges in Lagos
In Lagos, CNG users have also raised concerns about long queues at refilling stations. Daily Trust observed a long line of vehicles waiting at a Mobil filling station in Ikeja. Muyideen Oyeniran, a ride service provider, mentioned that the wait time varies, sometimes taking up to an hour. He also highlighted the issue of inconsistent pricing across different stations, with prices ranging from N230 to N499 per cubic meter.
Michael Abidemi, another motorist, attributed the long queues to the shortage of refilling stations. He called on the government to intervene and improve the situation, noting that while progress is being made, more needs to be done to meet the increasing demand.
Government Response
Commenting on the situation, the Chief Executive of PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, acknowledged the surge in demand due to the growing number of CNG conversions. He stated that the number of CNG vehicles has increased from 4,000 in 2024 to over 50,000 currently, with projections reaching 100,000 by the end of 2025. He also mentioned that the Dangote Group has converted 6,000 trucks to CNG, with plans to convert an additional 10,000.
Oluwagbemi explained that the pace of CNG infrastructure development has not kept up with the adoption rate, leading to a demand-supply imbalance. However, he assured Nigerians that over 175 CNG stations are in various stages of development and that the pressure will ease as they are completed. He emphasized that transitioning away from fossil fuels will take time, comparing it to the decades it took to become dependent on petrol and diesel.
