The Nigerian government’s push for the utilisation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to fuel is being challenged by the lack of sufficient filling stations.
The CNG initiative has, in recent months, gained traction as many motorists continue to convert their cars in response to the high cost of petrol in the country. However, many Nigerians have described the difficulty in getting their cars refilled as ‘moving from pan to fire.’
“You will not believe that I have been making efforts to refill my car for the past four days, but there is no gas in the station close to me at Durumi, Abuja, except I drive to Airport Road,,” Aisha Umar, an Abuja resident, said.
“How can the government be pushing people to convert their cars without adequate preparation on how these cars will be refilled? We are having conversion centres everywhere but no refilling station.”
The federal government, in July 2024, commissioned six refuelling stations to serve residents of Abuja.
It also commissioned others in Lagos State.
However, these stations have become inadequate, as motorists drive long distances before getting to these stations. In some areas, CNG filling stations can’t be found.
