Transition to CNG critical to economic growth — Experts

Stakeholders driving the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria have restated their unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless national transition from petrol to cleaner gas alternatives.

Speaking at the second edition of the Autogas Nigeria Annual Conference, held in commemoration of the World Sustainable Transport Day, participants emphasised that a full-scale shift to CNG would improve citizens’ welfare, lower transportation costs, and significantly reduce harmful emissions across the country.

Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Professor Umar Katsayal, described the transition to CNG as “consequential to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

Represented by Dr. Ibrahim Ahmadu, Prof Katsayal noted that extensive research has shown that CNG vehicles emit substantially lower levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO), with carbon dioxide (CO₂) reductions of up to 20–30 percent—depending on vehicle type and fuel supply chain.

He said the conference theme, “CNG for All: Powering Nigeria’s Sustainable Future,” is timely as it highlights the public-health and environmental benefits of cleaner energy adoption, particularly in densely populated cities.

While acknowledging that CNG is not a “silver bullet,” he stressed that it is a mature, practical solution capable of cutting transport costs, reducing air pollution, and stimulating value-chain development nationwide.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning gas as Nigeria’s primary transition fuel.

With an estimated 210 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Abdullahi said the country is “living in a decade of gas,” stressing that Nigeria’s vast reserves present a clear and compelling pathway toward cleaner and more affordable energy.

“It’s a no-brainer,” he said, adding, “Common sense tells us that gas should be the pathway. For us, gas is a transition fuel.”

Managing Director/CEO of Automotive Gas Nigeria Services Limited (Autogas Nigeria), Hajiya Maryam Salihu Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to partners and participants, describing their support as “the powerful fuel driving Nigeria’s clean energy future.”

She reaffirmed Autogas Nigeria’s mission—since its establishment in 2021—to expand the adoption of CNG through vehicle conversion services, nationwide refuelling infrastructure, and technical capacity-building.

Ibrahim noted that this year’s conference theme reflects the growing body of evidence that positions CNG as a fuel of national importance.

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