A concerning incident involving a CNG-fueled vehicle occurred last month in Benin City, Edo State, causing alarm among residents. The incident transpired at a NIPCO gas station in the Aduwawa area, where a private vehicle experienced an explosion while refueling. The explosion resulted in substantial damage to the vehicle's trunk, which housed the CNG cylinder.
A widely circulated video documented the ensuing chaos and devastation. Regrettably, three individuals sustained significant injuries. One motorist suffered eye trauma, a woman sustained severe abdominal injuries, and another individual tragically lost a foot due to the impact of the explosion..
The unfortunate victims were promptly transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention, highlighting the severe consequences associated with the utilization of potentially hazardous fuel alternatives. Subsequent investigations disclosed that the explosion originated from a gas cylinder that had been modified by an unauthorized welder, thereby violating established safety protocols.
In response to the incident, the welder has voluntarily presented themselves to the relevant authorities. Acknowledging the public's apprehension, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative has issued an official statement emphasizing the imperative of exclusively utilizing certified conversion centers to avert similar occurrences in the future.
Recently, there have been several CNG-related explosions in Nigeria, raising concerns about the safety of CNG vehicles. In Ogun and Rivers States, two separate incidents resulted in a total of five fatalities.
Furthermore, Malaysia's decision to phase out natural gas vehicles, with a ban on new registrations effective June 2025, has heightened public anxiety.
Malaysia's Minister of Transportation, Anthony Loke, emphasized safety concerns as a primary factor in the government's decision, noting that gas cylinders typically have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. This announcement from Malaysia has sparked considerable discussion in Nigeria, where many are questioning the government's promotion of compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption while other nations are moving away from it.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, endeavored to assuage concerns by clarifying that Malaysia's phase-out pertains specifically to liquefied petroleum gas, not CNG.
Despite recent events, visits to CNG conversion centers in Lagos and Ogun States have shown a steady increase in vehicle conversions. This trend reflects a complex interplay of factors. While safety concerns are paramount, the appeal of a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel option continues to attract Nigerian drivers seeking to minimize fuel costs in a challenging economic climate. Incidents such as the Benin explosion serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks, casting a shadow over what was once viewed as a progressive step towards cleaner energy.
It has been observed at Dana Motors in Isolo, Lagos, one of the six government-approved conversion centers, that commercial vehicles are eligible for CNG conversion at no cost, while private vehicle owners may incur conversion fees of approximately N1 million. Furthermore, at the NIPCO CNG filling station in Ibafo, Ogun, a consistent queue of private vehicles, as well as other vehicles such as fuel tankers, can be seen awaiting conversion and refueling with compressed natural gas.
Samson, a recent CNG user, shared his initial experiences with Saturday PUNCH. After only two weeks of using CNG, the retired secondary school principal expressed his satisfaction with the cost savings he has achieved.
The individual in question shared that they undertook a journey from Abeokuta to the Ibafo station for the purpose of refueling their vehicle. This decision was made due to the fact that the closest station in Ifo was rendered inaccessible as a result of unfavorable road conditions. It is noteworthy that the cost of refueling the single-cylinder engine amounted to N3,107, which is considerably lower compared to the expense that would have been incurred to fill a 100-liter Toyota Camry.
“Had I been using petrol, I’d have spent around N60,000 on fuel over the past two weeks,” Samson remarked. “The economy is tough, and with limited disposable income, I have to consider whether I can afford to feed my family while spending so much on fuel. That’s why I made the switch to CNG.”
Initially, Samson had limited knowledge of CNG. However, upon learning about its benefits, he opted to convert his vehicle with governmental support.
“In Abeokuta, I was told that a government representative would reach out to me, which they did. I spent only N70,000, whereas trying to arrange it on my own would have cost nearly N1 million,” he explained. He also mentioned that the conversion costs have increased due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
“If you can manage it financially, CNG is a worthwhile investment in the long term,” he advised, estimating his two-week CNG expenses at around N3,000, in stark contrast to the N60,000 he would have incurred with petrol.
Mr. Samson also appreciated the dual-fuel capability, which provides him with the flexibility to transition to petrol if necessary. However, he typically prefers gas to guarantee his ability to reach a station without encountering any difficulties.
When asked about concerns regarding potential explosions, Samson dismissed the fear. “Life itself carries risks. I’m not worried about it exploding. I have faith; God’s protection is with me.”
At the station, attendants explained the conversion costs, which vary based on the engine type. A four-plug vehicle costs approximately N800,000, while a six-plug vehicle exceeds N1 million. They noted that although CNG has been available in Nigeria for over ten years, its popularity has surged recently due to increasing fuel prices and economic challenges.
CNG Adoption in Commercial Transportation
The adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in commercial vehicles is gaining traction. Mr. Tobi Babatunde, a driver on the Mowe-Ketu route, shared his experience with CNG. He mentioned that he spends approximately N5,000 to refill his cylinder and has not encountered any issues since his vehicle's conversion.
Babatunde obtained his vehicle through a hire-purchase agreement, and it was already converted to CNG before he acquired it. Another driver, Toheeb Owolabi, operates on the Mowe-Oworonshoki route with two CNG cylinders positioned under the passenger seats. He explained that he frequently refuels during his trips to avoid running out of gas.
While CNG is believed to lower transportation costs, passengers still pay the same fares as those traveling in petrol-powered vehicles.
Owolabi did indeed mention that Compressed Natural Gas public buses generally provide more affordable fares in comparison to conventional commercial vehicles.
He remarked, “The conversion process is expensive, and the Federal Government’s free centers take too long for business owners like me.” He added with a smile, “I don’t answer to the Federal Government. Who will provide for my family if I wait?”
He emphasized the limited capacity and extended wait times at the complimentary conversion centers. "Out of a fleet of 100 buses, how many has the Federal Government successfully converted? You could potentially leave your vehicle there for several weeks. I did not have that kind of time, so I utilized my own funds to complete the conversion," he explained, justifying his unchanged fares.
As Nigerians contemplate the advantages of CNG amidst an unpredictable economic climate, the experiences of individuals such as Samson and Owolabi exemplify both the potential and the practical challenges associated with transitioning to this alternative fuel.
At a fuel station in Lagos, a truck driver heading to Abuja shared insights on the logistics of using compressed natural gas (CNG). His 16-cylinder truck requires approximately N190,000 to fill, allowing him to travel from Lagos to Okene, where he will refuel before continuing to Abuja.
On his return trip, he plans to stop again in Okene for refueling. Notably, none of the drivers reported any concerns regarding speed or performance while using CNG.
Globally, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption rates vary. Countries like Iran, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, China, and India have integrated CNG into their transportation systems.
However, these nations face challenges akin to those encountered in Nigeria. These include increased vehicle weight due to cylinders, unfamiliarity with the technology, and inadequate refueling infrastructure.
A utility engineer, who requested anonymity, pointed out potential risks associated with the compressed nature of CNG. He warned, “CNG is compressed at high pressure—if there’s an accident, it’s like a mini bomb.”
Although he acknowledged the benefits of CNG, he stressed the importance for regulatory agencies to guarantee vehicle safety, especially considering that CNG cylinders have expiration dates and may not be appropriate for vehicles frequently used on uneven terrain.
Additionally, he raised concerns about the long-term affordability of CNG, suggesting that if it were both cost-effective and reliable, Western nations might have adopted it more extensively before transitioning to electric vehicles..
Nigeria's Early Initiatives for CNG
In 1997, Nigeria introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) as a potential automotive fuel, aiming to leverage the nation's abundant natural gas reserves, as reported in a Science Direct journal. A notable milestone was achieved in October 2023 when the Petroleum Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) successfully launched seven pilot conversion centers across the country.
The PCNGI Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, outlined the initiative's goal of fostering a sustainable energy future by capitalizing on Nigeria's abundant gas reserves while simultaneously generating employment opportunities. The present focus is on converting public transportation vehicles, including buses and tricycles.
Nevertheless, the current infrastructure remains inadequate, with only 131 conversion centers operational across 12 states, including Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Oil and gas industry expert Ademola Adigun discussed concerns surrounding this transition, drawing parallels with Nigeria's prior shift from kerosene to gas cylinders.
He noted, "When we transitioned from kerosene to gas, there were fears of explosions, yet gas has become commonplace and relatively safe with proper management. CNG also presents a more economical option."
Government Leadership is Essential
In the opinion of industry expert Professor Ayo Ayoade, the government should take a proactive approach to CNG adoption rather than a purely promotional one..
He stated, "Policies should be driven by action, not just media attention. Government agencies should incorporate CNG into their fleets, test its limits, address challenges, and then extend it to the public."
Ayoade suggested conducting pilot projects in various geopolitical zones to evaluate the policy's efficacy in diverse settings and circumstances.
Furthermore, he expressed concerns regarding Nigeria's readiness, particularly whether the existing infrastructure could support widespread adoption, ensuring that drivers have adequate refueling options.
This matter requires immediate attention, especially considering the global shift towards electric vehicles, a sector in which Nigeria currently lags behind.
CNG and Nigeria’s Clean Energy Prospects
Electric vehicles are widely recognized as the ultimate goal for achieving clean energy. However, experts acknowledge that Nigeria's current infrastructure may not be adequately prepared for a comprehensive transition at this juncture.
In the interim, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) emerges as a viable and less polluting alternative. CNG has the potential to positively impact food prices by reducing transportation costs, particularly for goods transported from the northern regions to the southern regions of Nigeria.
Lower transportation costs could contribute to stabilizing food prices, which are significantly influenced by high logistics expenses. Despite these advantages, Nigeria's delayed adoption of CNG raises concerns, especially considering the advancements other nations are making towards electric vehicles.
“The Western world is offloading outdated technologies onto us while they move towards electric solutions. We end up supporting their progress while falling behind ourselves. Our roads are filled with used cars, and after two decades of service here, we cannot return them,” he expressed with concern.
Nigeria's pursuit of CNG exemplifies an endeavor to address immediate economic requirements. However, it raises broader concerns pertaining to the nation's energy strategy.
As the government advocates for CNG, industry specialists suggest that the path towards a sustainable, cost-effective, and secure energy solution for Nigeria's transportation sector is fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, it presents potential for success if approached with meticulous planning and execution.