Nigeria’s has added 186 new CNG conversion centres – NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said it has established 186 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres nationwide. NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed says this represents a surge in conversion capacity of 2,500% as at the end of 2024. Mr. Farouk Ahmed said this on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Ahmed said that NMDPRA supported the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) by stimulating 186 new conversion centers which triggered the county’s conversion capacity. READ ALSO: Grow Nigeria first: advocates Trade Minister Oduwole “The NMDPRA will continue to collaborate with the PCNGI to ensure deployment of CNG infrastructure in major cities of Lagos and Abuja, up to 100,000 conversions, while collaborating with states to develop Nigeria Gas Vehicles (NGVs) in other areas. “The development of CNG as a viable alternative to Petrol has been incentivised. “These conversions alongside new buys have raised the Nigerian Gas Vehicles population to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 vehicles and trucks, and it continues to grow daily. “With over 400 million dollars attracted for investment in 86 and 65 new daughters and mother stations under construction respectively, Nigeria refueling capacity has therefore risen from 20 to 56,” he said. Ahmed said that the collaboration between PCNGI, NMDPRA and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) led to the development of standards and the NGV Monitoring System expected to be inaugurated this year. READ ALSO: FG to support local manufacturers with N75bn “The NMDPRA also collaborates with the SON, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the National Institute of Transportation Technology (NITT) in ensuring that our mobility CNG growth is achieved in a safe and sustainable manner,” he said. The NMDPRA boss, however, listed some challenges facing the initiative to include establishment and operation of petroleum handling facilities without proper licensing, permits and authorisations. He listed other challenges to include poor collaborations for Open/ third party access to facilities and lack of cooperation of some operators for an effective regulatory oversight, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provisions. “We implore the industry to adhere to all regulatory requirements, especially as they relate to safety, efficiency, best practices, sustainability, consumer protection and community participation. READ ALSO: Benin CNG cylinder explosion: Illegal vehicle modification to blame “As we progress into 2025, the NMDPRA will continue to consolidate on its successes for enhanced regulatory oversight. “This will include the upgrade of our laboratories for enhanced product quality analysis and referencing, inter-agency collaborations, automation and sustainability in the industry,” Ahmed said.

FG Commences Free CNG Bus Service in Abuja  

The federal government has rolled out a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja, offering temporary relief to commuters grappling with high transportation expenses.  The service officially started operations on December 2, 2024.   The buses are operating along key routes, connecting suburban areas like Mararaba to central locations such as Eagle Square and Berger bus stop. READ ALSO: INNOSON Begins Delivery of CNG Buses to the FG  Passengers can enjoy free rides for 40 days, with the initiative set to conclude on January 6, 2025.   This move is part of ongoing efforts to provide cost-effective transportation solutions while promoting cleaner energy alternatives. 

Nigerian Government Reacts As Malaysia Plans To Phase Out CNG 

The Malaysian government has announced its decision to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by July 1, 2025, marking the end of CNG vehicle registrations.  The move also includes halting the sale of natural gas vehicles (NGV), which include both CNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered vehicles.  Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook shared concerns over the safety risks posed by LPG cylinders, particularly in modified vehicles, which have been involved in explosions during accidents.  These concerns have led the government to prioritize public safety, especially regarding older CNG cylinders, some of which are over 15 years old. In response to the announcement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, clarified that Malaysia’s focus is more on the safety issues surrounding LPG rather than CNG itself.  He pointed out that while Malaysia has struggled to transition successfully away from petrol and diesel, Nigeria’s move toward CNG remains distinct due to its focus on safety and cost-effectiveness.  Onanuga also noted that Nigeria is already developing the necessary infrastructure, including tank manufacturing, to ensure a safer and more sustainable CNG transition. The statement released by Onanuga on x (formerly known as Twitter) reads, “Some clarification on the plan by Malaysia to phase out CNG powered vehicles: “1. The Malaysian issue speaks more to the safety of LPG NOT safety of CNG. In the original report, government transport minister Anthony Loke said: “There are also some car owners who have modified their vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which are very dangerous. “The report also spoke about the safety of 15 year-old CNG cylinders. “2. NGV covers both CNG and LPG. Nigeria in its transition has adopted CNG ONLY not both because of LPG valid safety and cost concerns “3.Malaysia basically had an unsuccessful transition away from costly and dirtier petrol and diesel. “Conversion of 45,000 vehicles in 15 years (less than 0.2%) is not enviable unlike India, China, Iran and Egypt. “The end of 15 year CNG tank cycle means they need to replace tanks and it was easier/cheaper to scrap their program and continue with their petrol than to do so if they had not built tank manufacturing capacity which Nigeria is already developing in year one.”

Benin CNG Cylinder Explosion: Illegal Vehicle Modification to blame

The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) has reacted to a CNG vehicle cylinder explosion that occurred in Benin City, attributing the incident to unauthorized vehicle modifications. The explosion took place at NIPCO CNG Station on Ikpoba Hill on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, injuring several individuals but causing no fatalities. PCNGI confirmed that the vehicle’s cylinder had been welded and altered, deviating from approved safety standards for CNG use. An investigation into the incident is underway. It will be carried out by the police, regulatory bodies, and NIPCO management. The organization stressed the importance of safe handling of hydrocarbons and urged compliance with new regulations to prevent future incidents. PCNGI highlighted the upcoming launch of the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, aimed at improving safety and regulation within the CNG industry.