Nigeria’s CNG Transition Stalls Without Infrastructure, Expert Warns Government
Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria risks missing the full economic and environmental benefits of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption unless the government urgently strengthens infrastructure and policy support, a leading energy researcher warns.
In a statement issued on Monday, Assistant Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Kazeem Abubakar, says Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves position the country favourably for a cleaner energy transition, but inadequate infrastructure remains a major bottleneck.
“Nigeria’s pivot toward CNG represents a strategic and timely effort to harness abundant natural gas for sustainable mobility and energy security,” Abubakar says.
He notes that while more than 100,000 vehicles have been converted to CNG and several conversion centres and refuelling points established nationwide, current adoption levels remain far below the country’s potential.
Abubakar identifies priority areas requiring coordinated government action, including the rapid expansion of refuelling stations, compression hubs and certified vehicle conversion centres across all regions.
He also calls for stronger financial incentives, particularly targeted subsidies for low-income vehicle owners and commercial transport operators.
“Awareness and safety campaigns, policy consistency, effective regulation and alignment with Nigeria’s broader gas utilisation strategy are critical to success,” he says.
Beyond transport, Abubakar explains that widespread CNG adoption could drive job creation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with Nigeria’s climate commitments, and support industrial growth through expanded gas distribution networks.
“With the right infrastructure and public engagement, CNG can reduce transport costs, improve air quality and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals,” he adds.
Abubakar says growing private-sector investment signals confidence in CNG’s future, stressing that sustained government commitment will determine whether the initiative delivers long-term economic and environmental gains.
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