There are now about 5,000 natural gas vehicles (NGVs) operating in Nigeria, reports Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company, NIPCO Plc, an indigenous downstream petroleum and gas operator. That represents significant growth given there were approximately 900 vehicles recorded at end of 2012.
According to an article published by Nigeria’s National Mirror, NIPCO reports more than 4,000 vehicles have been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria. More than 500 NGVs are also operating in Lagos, Nigeria’s capital city.
NIPCO’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Taofeek Lawal explained NIPCO has about 10 CNG operating stations nationwide, while others were under construction, adding that the pomotion and provision of CNG was aimed at providing an alternative domestic fuel to petrol, boosting national socio-economic growth and reducing emissions. The government currently subsidises petroleum products.
“CNG sustainability in Nigeria and Lagos is possible, considering the country is one of the largest producers of natural gas. Ibafo CNG station, near Lagos, is a world class facility with about 12 dispensing pump for light and heavy duty trucks refilling facilities,” Lawal reportedly said.
Current problems faced by the industry include absence of policy on natural gas vehicles, lack of natural gas infrastructure across Nigeria, and cost of conversion. NIPCO has addressed the latter by providing a flexible repayment package that includes an initial 10% deposit and instalments paid as part of refuelling cost, to encourage CNG uptake.
