President Bola Tinubu has directed the conversion of petrol stations across Nigeria into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) outlets, according to Ekperipke Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas).
The announcement was made following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.
Ekpo stated that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to provide Nigerians with access to affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.
He emphasised that CNG is not only safer but also significantly more cost-effective compared to petrol.
“The president has instructed us to ensure the widespread conversion of filling stations to CNG stations across the country,” Ekpo said.
The government will also offer conversion kits to enable vehicles to run on CNG, making it easier for Nigerians to make the switch.
Ekpo highlighted the potential savings for consumers, noting that while a litre of petrol could cost up to N1,000, CNG is priced at N200 per standard cubic meter.
He said the government’s efforts aim to cushion Nigerians from the high cost of traditional fuel while taking advantage of the country’s vast natural gas reserves.
This initiative aligns with Tinubu’s recent remarks that Nigerians should choose between expensive petrol and the cheaper, cleaner CNG alternative.
Ekpo expressed confidence that the government’s CNG push would reach all parts of the country, enabling Nigerians to transition to a more sustainable energy source.