The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced its ambitious plan to roll out 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the country in the next year. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, revealed this development at the commissioning of 12 CNG stations built in collaboration with NIPCO Gas in Abuja and Lagos.
The initiative to bring CNG stations closer to Nigerians is part of the nation’s energy transition efforts, aiming to provide cleaner and more affordable fuel options. Mele Kyari emphasized the irreversible commitment to making CNG more accessible nationwide, stating, “There is simply no way to turn back on delivering CNG for all Nigerians. It is the right thing to do.” He also highlighted the strategic deployment of CNG stations as a crucial step in ensuring energy security and reducing the volatility associated with petrol.
In addition to the extensive deployment of CNG stations, the NNPC, in partnership with its allies, is set to construct three LNG stations in Ajaokuta, further cementing its dedication to delivering cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources to the Nigerian populace.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who inaugurated the new CNG stations, reiterated the economic and environmental benefits of the venture. He emphasized that the initiative not only provides economic advantages by creating jobs and stimulating local economies but also contributes significantly to Nigeria’s national goals of reducing emissions and combating climate change.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the NNPC Board of Directors, Chief Pius Akinyelure, stressed that the increased adoption of CNG will foster economic benefits by reducing fuel costs for consumers and businesses, aligning with the overarching goal of providing cleaner and more economical energy solutions for the nation.
The Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Huub Stokman, also shared the ambitious plan to launch over 100 CNG sites in the next year. This includes the launch of 16 NNPC Gas Marketing and NIPCO Gas JV sites, signaling a comprehensive effort to make CNG readily available to the Nigerian populace.
The commissioning of the twelve new CNG stations in Lagos and Abuja marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy transition process, reflecting the nation’s commitment to embracing natural gas as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel alternative. With the unveiling of this expansive plan, the NNPC is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the widespread adoption of natural gas, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in Nigeria.
