Oil & Energy
More Than 100, 000 Vehicles In Nigeria Now Use CNG – PiCNG ……Targets 1m CNG Vehicles In 2027
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) says more than 100,000 vehicles in Nigeria now use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The Executive Chairman/CEO, PiCNG, Ismaeel Ahmed, said this at the Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited CNG products Unveiling and Stakeholders’ Engagement, in collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja, at the weekend.
Represented by the Chief Compliance Officer, PiCNG, Zayyanu Tambari, Ahmed said that as at 2023, there were only about 11,000 CNG converted vehicles in the country.
He said “Ultimately, everything we are doing on the CNG programme is about the number of vehicles on the road that are using CNG as an alternative fuel or as a complement fuel.
“This is a legacy programme of the CNG that has been around for about a decade because the first CNG facilities were commissioned in Nigeria in 2012 by NIPCO in Benin City.
“Today, as we speak, there are over 100,000 cars that are using CNG on the Nigerian roads. Companies in the private sector and operators are refitting their fleet, especially the long haulage to move on CNG.
According to him, this is a direct presidential mandate to convert one million vehicles or to have at least one million vehicles either converted, factory fitted, manufactured in Nigeria or imported saying “Our target is one million vehicles at least using CNG by 2027 ending”.
Ahmed said that the presidential CNG initiative was working with stakeholders and partners to meet the target of Mr President to ensure that CNG becomes a preferred alternative, cheaper, safer and cleaner alternative.
He recalled that in October 2023 when the president inaugurated the programme, there were only 11 states with one form of CNG infrastructure or another.
“Basically, it is only around the pipeline system that we have either a conversion center or a retail outlet. And there are only about 11 states.
“Today, there are over 25 states with a CNG footprint in one form or another. And about six or eight states will join in the next few months.
“We hope and we are confident that by end of next year, we will be able to cover the entire country. The target is to do 36 states plus Abuja by 2027.
“I believe that at the rate we are going, by the end of 2026, we will have taken the CNG footprint in every state, if not every senatorial district in Nigeria,” he said.
He described the unveiling as a milestone in Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner, affordable, and more sustainable transportation and industrial energy solutions.
Ahmed commended the Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited’s partnership with NAN in convening the engagement and unveiling new CNG products developed with leading global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
“This initiative shows the growing momentum across the country as innovators, local manufacturers and development partners actively contribute to Nigeria’s Gas Expansion Programme,” he said.
The products, unveiled by the PiCNG CEO, alongside other dignitaries, included CNG conversion kits by Mijo AutoGas, CNG cylinder by EKC International, CNG Mother Station by CIMC ENRIC and Optical Gas Imaging Camera by Opgal Optronics.
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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says the state is no longer experiencing power failures caused by frequent collapses of the national grid.
This is as his administration begins investing in converting organic waste Into electricity.
Speaking to the media at the State Government House, last Thursday, Governor Otti revealed that waste products are now being transformed into renewable energy through Biogas.
He stated that the state is no longer fully under the supervision of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Otti explained that the new arrangement has been negotiated and accepted by the the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the utility firm responsible for power distribution in Abia.
In his words “This is a pilot programme. Instead of discarding waste, we can convert it into clean energy, enabling us to power numerous areas, particularly the Umuahia In-Farms.
“I had earlier reported that our proposals to EEDC have been accepted, and we are in the process of raising funds to settle obligations with them.
“On 24th December, the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority took iver the regulation of power from NERC. From now on, generation, transmission, and distribution will be regulated within the state.”
Otti highlighted that the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and achieving energy independence, similar to how Aba Power provides electricity for the Aba In-Farms.
“You may Have noticed that during some recent national grid collapses, our state remained unaffected because a significant portion of our power infrastructure is now under our authority,” he said.
Governor Otti further expressed optimism on the Progress of the programme saying “That is the entire purpose acquiring the Umuahia in-farms, and i am pleased with the advancements we are making in this regard.”
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reiterated its dedication to a transparent process for the 2025 Oil Bid Round.
The Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, while speaking at a Pre-Bid Webinar, at the Weekend, emphasized that the process is an opportunity for investors to participate in a stable, rules-based system that fosters genuine value creation.
Eyesan disclosed that the process involves five steps including “Registration, Pre-qualification, Data acquisition, Technical bid submission, and Evaluation and Commercial Bid Conference.
“This has been done to increase competitiveness and a response to capital mobility,”.
“Only candidates with strong technical and financial credentials will move forward, chosen through a transparent merit-based process”.
She noted that with President Bola Tinubu’s approval, signature bonuses have been adjusted to reduce entry barriers, prioritizing technical capabilities, credible programs, financial strength, and production delivery speed.
“Let me state clearly that the bid process will comply with the PIA 2021, promote the use of digital tools, for smooth data access and remain open to public, and international and institutional scrutiny through partners like NEITI, and other oversight agencies. Indeed, transparency is an integral part of our process,” she stated.
“To further strengthen the process, today’s Webinar, the first of its kind, aims to clarify bid requirements and helps you participate effectively before the tender deadline as well. We also invite your questions and feedback to improve the licensing round process and outcomes.
“In closing, let me emphasize that the Nigerian 2025 Licensing Round is not merely a bidding exercise; it is a clear signal of a reimagined Upstream Sector anchored on the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global investment realities, and focused on long term value creation”, the NUPRC boss stated.
The 2025 Licensing Round, launched on December 1, 2025, offers 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains, including frontier, onshore, shallow water, and deep water.
Since then, all licensing materials have been posted on the Commission’s portal, and dedicated support channels have been created to address applicant inquiries.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed its capacity to supply fuel volumes significantly more than Nigeria’s estimated domestic consumption.
The refinery said it can supply 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily against an estimated national consumption of 50 million litres.
The company, in a statement issued to Journalists, at the Weekend, also said it has capacity to supply 25 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) compared with an estimated daily demand of 14 million litres, along side capacity to supply 20 million litres of aviation fuel daily, above the estimated maximum domestic consumption of four million litres.
According to the refinery, the availability of volumes above prevailing demand provides critical supply buffers, enhances market stability and reduces reliance on imports, particularly during periods of peak demand or logistical disruption.
“The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery would like to reiterate our capability to supply the underlisted petroleum products of the highest international quality standard to marketers and stakeholders,” the company said in a public notice.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to full regulatory compliance and continued cooperation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), stating that its supply approach is aligned with ongoing efforts to ensure market stability and orderly downstream operations.
The refinery said it remains fully engaged with regulators and industry stakeholders in support of Nigeria’s national energy security objectives, as the country deepens its transition from fuel import dependence to domestic refining.
It expressed willingness to work closely with market participants to ensure that the benefits of local refining, including reliable supply, competitive pricing and improved market discipline are delivered consistently to consumers nationwide.
The statement added “With domestic refining capacity expanding, stakeholders believe Nigeria is increasingly positioned to reduce foreign exchange exposure, improve supply security and strengthen downstream efficiency through locally refined petroleum products”.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu