The Pi-CNG is working towards reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel, thereby enhancing the country’s energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future in Nigeria.
In December 2020, the government launched the National Gas Expansion Program aimed at making CNG the first choice of cheaper and cleaner energy for Nigerians and reducing the country’s high reliance on petrol. However, the adoption rate of this technology has been low due to a large lack of awareness among citizens.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has created the opportunity for the government to promote the CNG initiative to the public who in search of a more affordable alternative to fuel their vehicles.
The CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to petrol or diesel and is often cheaper than both petroleum products, making it cost-effective for mass transit agencies. The lower fuel costs can result in significant savings and economy boost over time, experts have confirmed.
In the immediate term, to address the removal of petrol subsidy, the initiative plans to deploy conversion kits, deploy bi-fuel buses and CNG tricycles alongside limited EV Buses to jumpstart an alternative energy driven mass transit systems.
Different Applications
The CNG motorcycle engines tend to produce less noise than conventional gasoline engines. This can lead to a quieter and more pleasant riding experience for motorcycle users and reduced noise pollution in urban areas.
The CNG is generally more cost-effective than petrol or diesel and tricycle operators can experience significant savings on fuel costs, which is especially beneficial for those in low-income communities.
Also, the CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to petrol and diesel and it produces fewer harmful emissions, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
This leads to improved air quality and reduced environmental impact, making CNG cars an eco-friendly choice.
The initiative is not a pilot, rather it is an initial roll-out to stimulate the adoption of CNG for transport in line with the national policy on transportation already adopted. It is an end to end approach to CNG utilisation to reduce costs and carbon emissions.
Government explains that key objective is to drive down and manage transportation costs for Nigerians by utilising the cheaper gas alternative that is abundant but currently underutilised in Nigeria.
An incremental objective is to deliver cleaner alternative to petrol and Diesel fuel for transportation, and as such meet the Nigeria’s National Determined Contributions commitments while capturing a precious resource that is currently being flared.
It is hoped that in implementing the program more create jobs would be created and transfer technology locally to huge youth population will happen, in addition to supporting auto manufacturing, retrofit and conversions as well as in the development of critical gas distribution, processing and production infrastructure and facilities.
The development will further stimulate investments in Nigeria’s abundant gas market and develop sustainable markets for gas locally while growing the economy and expanding the government’s revenue base.
Fostering New Partnerships
The Standards Organization of Nigeria, (SON), as a government agency is expanding partnerships as well as providing support through issuance of standards to clear the path for deployment of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, initiative.
The agency said its push for activation of CNG, vehicles is yielding positive results following its engagement with relevant partners to bring the initiative into fruition.
The director general of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the SON’s 80 approved standards for CNG for road vehicles and related appliances, is the surest way of ensuring compliance to quality assurance.
Working in collaboration with the team of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) Michael Oluwagbemi, the SON boss noted that the agency is determined to make things work in line with its constitutional mandate as the standards bearer of the nation.
“If the standard for the implementation of CNG fails it means only one thing, SON has failed in its duty. The involvement of SON in CNG marks the beginning of the journey towards safer, more reliable, cheaper, environmentally sustainable, and most importantly alternative fuel utilisation across the nation for road vehicles and other CNG-related appliances,” Okeke emphasised.
Okeke also noted that in developing and approving these standards, the agency is working in accordance with world best practice and striving to achieve a significant milestone in its effort to promote safety and quality in the energy sector.
It is worthy to note that CNG is a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fuels, with applications ranging from transportation to industrial processes.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) is a component of the palliative intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and one of the many steps the president has taken to ensure every Nigerian enjoys his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Following the inauguration of PCNGI, a Committee comprising relevant regulatory agencies such as, the National Midstream Down-stream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI) and other key stakeholders were set up.
Justifying the drafting of the standards, Oluwagbemi said, “These 80 standards encompass a wide range of technical specifications and requirements, including CNG Conversion kit, Standards for electrical connections and vehicle Diagnostics, Standards for Road worthiness and Vehicle safety, Standards for CNG storage Vessels, Standards for CNG refuelling stations, and Guideline for installation of specific components to support the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for Vehicle propulsion.
“The development of these standards was a collaborative effort, bringing together industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders from across the country. Adhering to these standards offers numerous benefits. Some of the benefits are enhanced safety for consumers, workers, and the environment, improved reliability and efficiency in CNG operations among others.
“We want to say that this effort by SON to develop these standards imbibes the vision of the president to make life better for Nigerians. We are impressed by the speed and efficiency of SON to get this done. The approval of the 80 standards will get the industry started. With these 80 standards, we have the regulatory standards to start the industry and we hope that it will unlock the investment needed in the sector.”
Driving New Investment Phase Via NIPCOGas, NNCPL Interface
When the group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, projected that the CNG rollout will be ready by the first quarter of 2024, there came strong doubts given initial hiccups.
He spoke on several key facts that Nigerians need to know following the Company’s agreement with NipCo Plc.
The agreement involves the development of CNG infrastructure and ensuring delivery to Nigerians as an alternative fuel for vehicles after the fuel subsidy removal increased the prices of fuel in the country
Kyari said the CNG rollout will be in phases, as reported previously by Nairametrics.
According to Kyari, the first phase will comprise 21 CNG stations which will support intra-city transportation and will be ready by the first quarter of 2024.
Kyari said, “While the second phase comprising 35 CNG stations will support intercity transportation and be ready in 2024 also.
”This will be further complemented by the additional 56 stations to be deployed by NNPC Retail stations across the country. NipCo Gas is currently operating 14 CNG stations across Nigeria and has converted over 7,000 vehicles to run on CNG.
“Nipco’s technical competence and field experience will bolster this initiative’s success and amplify its positive impact on the nation’s economy.
”This initiative would liberate Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to bring multiple benefits to Nigerians including access to cheaper fuel, reduced cost of transportation, reduced carbon emissions, and create new businesses and job opportunities.”
Kyari also said that the CNG is safe to use for cars. According to him, “CNG is even safer than petrol. I am sure we will continue to engage the public on the safety of these cylinders so that institutions will allow vehicles carrying these cylinders in their boots to have access, we do not see any problem with this.
”We think that safety is assured and guaranteed and of course, I am sure you may never have had any combustion anywhere, but it does happen but of course, the risk is very low.”
Kyari also highlighted the fact that CNG-based transportation has been done in other countries. According to him, almost every tricycle in India makes use of CNG.
He also mentioned Pakistan, and Indonesia as examples, but that CNG use has not substantially developed in Africa because of economic reasons.
He said, “But I think now we are seeing the advantage of this, and we will leverage it because many things are dependent on outside technology, but we are bringing them home now.
“Many of the key conversion companies are now agreeing to come and establish conversion kit manufacturing outfits in the country now and this is good news for our country to create more jobs and opportunities.”
Delivering On Promise
To confirm Kyari’s commitment in the agreement, NIPCOGAS, is now set to deploy fully completed CNG dispensing stations in the commercial city of Lagos.
The facilities would be opened for commercial operations by end of April or May to become the first of its kind in the state which is now contending with long queues at filling stations.
The managing director, NIPCO Gas Ltd, Nagendra Verma, told the media that the firm is involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009.
Verma, who assured sustainability of supply after commissioning said presently, for Cars, Taxis and Keke’s; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN200/standard cubic feet scm against the petrol price of NGN610 per liter, in Lagos and NGN230/scm against the PMS price of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.
The managing director, further informed that similarly for heavy commercial vehicles; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN260/scm against the AGO price of NGN1250/ltr in Lagos and NGN290/scm against the AGO price of NGN1300/ltr in Abuja.
“NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by current government, AutoCNG will become the Choice fuel for Nigeria which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on Forex,” he added.
According to him, AutoCNG is a project for masses and of National Cause and Importance, adding, “We are sure once expanded across Nigeria; will surely and definitely relieve the masses and motorists from high fuel cost.
“We continuously seek blessing and support of the Government and media to make AutoCNG a Reliever, Cleaner and Greener fuel of Nigeria”
Speaking on the the company’s strategy, Verma said initially the company started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later-on in Kogi State.
He stressed further that wiith the initiatives and clear mandate by current government, AutoCNG network also expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
NIPCO Gas presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria and CNG vehicles from Lagos can travel upto Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from the in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations. We are sure, soon motorists can travel across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
Under current government directives, NIPCO Gas has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL for expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.“Partnering with NNPCL under directives from The Presidency brings along huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards masses of Nigeria and Government.
“NIPCO Gas is honored with this trust and belief by the Government and NNPCL and have assured that we will not leave any stone unturned to make this AutoCNG expansion plan a reality which will relieve thousands and millions of citizens from the pain they are going through presently.” added Verma
He also disclosed that under the current partnership, 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in phased manner. He also revealed that location for 19 CNG stations have been identified and the firm has received stage-wise approval from NMDPRA and other statutory authorities.
He said 4 CNG stations in Lagos are scheduled to be completed in April/May, 2024, adding, “For making this AutoCNG expansion project a reality, we are getting due support and guidance from all including but not limited to PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, other Ministries and Departments and Media too who are also keen to see this as reality in near future.”
Verma, said gas distribution and AutoCNG projects are highly capital-intensive projects which require huge investment and highest level of commitment and perseverance, and expressed hope that with support from all and with continuous push from the Presidency, the firm will surely make it happen.
He went further to state that NIPCO Gas in addition to AutoCNG is also expanding gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and gas distribution network in Lekki Free Zone.
“All these projects require huge investment and high gestation period.
Once the above projects are commissioned, it will help in greater way in deepening the utilisation of indigenous gas which still remains under-utilised and reduce dependency on importation of other fossil fuels thereby reducing the pressure on Forex,” he added.
Auto CNG Conversion Procedure
Converting a normal petrol -run car into a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) car is a complex process that involves significant modifications to the vehicle’s fuel system and engine. Only certified conversion centers and trained professionals can carry out the process.
The process starts with a vehicle safety and compatibility assessment and then a CNG Kit installation, where the CNG is stored in high-pressure tanks, typically in the trunk or under the vehicle. These tanks are made to withstand high pressure and are designed to be safe. After the installation, special high-pressure fuel lines are installed to connect the CNG storage tanks to the engine and a regulator and reducer are installed to reduce the pressure of the CNG before it enters the engine.
