Long queues, frustrated motorists, and empty tanks are fast becoming the reality for many Nigerians who switched to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in hopes of cheaper and cleaner transportation.
Promoted as a solution to Nigeria’s fuel crisis, the CNG initiative is faltering due to severe shortages, leaving many drivers stranded for days just to refuel.
“I have been here for the 5th day,” said Murtala Ishola, a CNG vehicle owner in Abuja, visibly exhausted after waiting nearly a week at a filling station. “I may be forced to revert to petrol,” he added, despite the much higher cost of petrol compared to gas.
President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) in September 2023, four months after removing fuel subsidies. The move was meant to push Nigeria toward cleaner energy and combat rising fuel prices, which have since increased fivefold.
So far, over 100,000 vehicles have been converted under the initiative, with the government investing more than $200 million. The target is to convert one million vehicles by 2026 — but the current scarcity threatens that goal.
“The shortages could weaken momentum, create implementation delays, and reduce the expected economic and environmental benefits of the programme,” warned Ayodele Oni, a legal expert in energy and commercial law.
Behind the delays are logistics problems, including bad roads and limited delivery trucks, according to a fuel attendant who spoke on condition of anonymity. Gas for Abuja is transported from Kogi State, over 230 kilometers away.
Motorists also point to the lack of CNG stations. “I may leave this commercial driving life for farming,” said Akande George, a commuter driver. “I am getting older and can’t keep pushing these daily struggles.”
With frustration mounting, experts caution that public trust is slipping. “If people cannot consistently access CNG, the plan loses credibility,” Oni added.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has promised to improve supply, but so far, the wait continues — and so does the doubt.
Reported by Channels Television | Additional reporting by AFP
