Nigeria's Ekperikpe Ekpo Targets 1M CNG Vehicles for Transport

The federal government of Nigeria has renewed its efforts to deploy one million compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles across the country, with the goal of reducing transportation costs. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, issued this directive in Abuja while reviewing progress from the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles and the Decade of Gas Secretariat.

The initiative aims to provide tangible benefits to Nigerians, especially following the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, which has led to increased transportation costs. Ekpo highlighted the importance of expanding infrastructure, including refueling stations and vehicle conversion facilities, to promote CNG as a cheaper alternative to petrol.

He noted Nigeria's abundant natural gas reserves and reiterated the government's commitment to making transportation more affordable through CNG. The minister assured continued support for the initiative and urged the leadership of the involved bodies to sustain investments necessary for expanding the use of natural gas in transportation.