The Federal Government of Nigeria has been commended for its move to navigate its energy future by transitioning into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
This alternative energy source according to the experts is gaining traction within the country’s energy landscape, which aligns with broader initiatives to curtail carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
Executive Director of the Centre for 21st Century Issues, Titilope Gbemisola Akosa, lauded Nigeria’s efforts during an interview on an Ilorin-based radio station Sobi FM’s ‘Home Front’ program on January 10, 2024.
Akosa whose NGO is focusing on responding to 21st century issues emphasized that CNG is becoming a transformative force in Nigeria’s energy sector, aligning with the nation’s goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility outlined in its energy transition plans.
Highlighting the lower carbon footprint of CNG compared to traditional fossil fuels, Akosa noted that natural gas emits fewer greenhouse gases.
“CNG is also more cost-effective than conventional fuels, providing an economic incentive for its adoption,” she said.
Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead at the Society for Planet and Prosperity, reinforced the significance of Nigeria’s move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
He noted that CNG contributes to diversifying the country’s energy mix, reducing reliance on a single revenue source, and promoting economic development in the energy sector.
“This shift to CNG will enhance energy security and resilience against external shocks in the global energy market, as the world transitions from fossil fuels to other energy sources,” Olorunfemi explained.
He further emphasized the potential for a transportation revolution, citing the government’s commitment to adopting CNG-powered vehicles.
While acknowledging the promising prospects of CNG for Nigeria’s energy transformation, both Akosa, and Olorunfemi highlighted potential challenges by emphasizing the need for significant investments in establishing an extensive CNG infrastructure, advocating for public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for refueling stations and distribution networks.
Clear regulations, incentives, and long-term planning were identified as crucial elements for the successful integration of CNG into Nigeria’s energy sector.
Compressed Natural Gas, derived from natural gas and compressed to a fraction of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure, offers versatility with applications in transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. As Nigeria steers its course towards a cleaner energy future, CNG emerges as a pivotal player, bringing economic and environmental benefits to the forefront of the nation’s energy transition efforts.
By Dare Akogun
