FG’s Gas-Powered Vehicle Scheme Faces Major Setback Nationwide.
Shortages, lack of infrastructure, and long queues frustrate CNG users as many revert to petrol
The Federal Government’s ambitious plan to shift Nigeria’s vehicle transportation industry from petrol to gas has hit a major roadblock, with users and investors nationwide expressing growing frustration over supply shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and long wait times at the few available refilling stations.
The CNG scheme Nigeria was launched to provide a cleaner, cheaper alternative to petrol and ease the burden of high fuel prices following the removal of fuel subsidies. The government introduced incentives such as VAT and import duty removal on CNG equipment, free conversion kits for commercial vehicles, and mandatory procurement of CNG vehicles by all government ministries and agencies. Despite these efforts, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
Across the country, many CNG users now face the nightmare of finding refill stations, with some spending hours or even days in queues. In Abuja, for example, there are only 11 CNG filling stations, and just three are considered reliable. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, also struggles with out-of-stock stations and a lack of conversion kits, leaving many drivers stranded or reverting to petrol.
“Vehicles often spend hours—and trucks, days—at CNG filling stations due to inadequate service capacity. Specific areas like Zuba-Kubwa Road, Abuja Airport Road, the Mountain of Fire area of Ibafo on the Ibadan Expressway, and the Ibadan Tollgate are just a few examples where users experience long wait times,” said Mike Osatuyi, former National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The situation is similar in other regions. In the South East, states like Enugu have procured CNG buses, but most are parked unused due to a lack of refilling infrastructure. In the South South, including Delta and Bayelsa, the CNG scheme Nigeria is virtually non-existent, with residents and transport unions saying they have yet to see any CNG buses or stations.
In the North, the absence of refilling stations and conversion centers has discouraged many from switching to CNG. Even in states where conversion centers exist, the number is far too small to meet demand, and the cost of conversion—ranging from N300,000 to N600,000—remains a barrier for many private vehicle owners.
Industry experts say the lack of infrastructure, high conversion costs, policy uncertainty, and safety concerns are major obstacles to the success of the CNG scheme Nigeria. Marketers are hesitant to invest heavily in new stations without guarantees of gas supply and government policy stability. Meanwhile, some users allege sabotage by those benefiting from petrol imports, claiming that delays in licensing new CNG stations are intentional.
Despite these setbacks, the government insists the programme has not failed. The Presidential CNG Initiative says more conversion centers are being established, with over 140 reportedly now operational and 100,000 vehicles converted from petrol to CNG. The government has also launched a N2.5 billion credit scheme to support vehicle conversion and enhance local manufacturing of CNG kits. Ministerial guidelines for safe conversion and new investments in CNG infrastructure are expected to roll out soon.
However, for many Nigerians, these promises offer little comfort as they continue to endure long queues, high conversion costs, and limited access to CNG stations. Some commercial drivers have even started re-converting their vehicles back to petrol, citing the unreliability of the CNG supply chain.
Conclusion:
The CNG scheme Nigeria was launched with high hopes and significant investment, but its progress has been slowed by infrastructure gaps, supply shortages, and policy challenges. While the government maintains that the current pain is temporary and that more stations and conversion centers are on the way, the frustration among users is real. Restoring confidence in the scheme will require urgent action to expand infrastructure, ensure reliable supply, and make conversion more affordable and accessible for all Nigerians.
Stay woke. Stay tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.
