The Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, once celebrated as a lifeline for Nigerians grappling with skyrocketing petrol costs, is now facing turbulence as consumers voice frustration over rising prices, inadequate infrastructure, and prolonged scarcity.
Vehicle owners who embraced CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel are now considering reverting to conventional fuels, with many describing the scheme as unsustainable in its current form.
The cost of CNG has surged from ₦230 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM) to as high as ₦450/SCM following the government’s move to reduce subsidies on the fuel.
While private cars and commercial vehicles still enjoy partial subsidies at ₦380/SCM, trucks now pay the full rate.
Retailers warn that the price could climb further, possibly hitting ₦500–₦600/SCM, a scenario that would erase the cost advantage that first attracted consumers to switch to CNG.
For drivers who spent between ₦1 million and ₦1.5 million converting their vehicles, the new reality is discouraging.
“Some people spent up to ₦1.5 million to convert their vehicles to CNG.
Now, with the price increase and the queues, many may return to petrol,” lamented Adeyemi Paul, a ride-hailing driver in Lagos.
Beyond pricing, the bigger hurdle is availability. In several states, the CNG scheme has little to no presence. Even in states with conversion kits and refill stations, operations remain skeletal.
In Abuja, a truck driver working with a major cement company said drivers now spend up to six days in queues just to refill their trucks.
“Every time you pass this road, you will see our trucks in the queue. It is not heavy-duty trucks alone; even taxi operators and private cars suffer with us,” he said.
Investigations along the busy Abuja–Keffi Road revealed more than 49 petrol stations serving motorists but only one CNG station, highlighting Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure to support mass adoption.
A commercial driver in Ikeja, simply identified as Femi, said many operators were discouraged by the long wait times.
“Many commercial vehicles and private car owners have converted to CNG, but now they are frustrated.
Spending four to six hours in a queue just to buy gas is not practical. People are going back to petrol,” he said.
Some stakeholders believe vested interests are deliberately stalling progress.
Truck driver David Bala accused operators in the downstream sector of sabotaging CNG adoption.
“I believe there are people benefiting from petrol importation who don’t want CNG to succeed.
If Nigerians embrace gas, they will lose revenue from petrol sales,” he alleged.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has acknowledged the challenges but insists the programme is still on track.
An official of the initiative explained that efforts are focused on expanding infrastructure and increasing the number of refill stations nationwide.
“Some vehicle owners have converted to CNG, but when gas is not available, they fall back on petrol.
Our main drive now is to increase the number of refuelling stations,” the official stated.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, had earlier described the CNG project as a strategic pathway to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on costly petrol imports, cut emissions, and boost energy security.
Launched in 2023 after the removal of petrol subsidies, the CNG programme initially offered hope when petrol prices soared from ₦175 to ₦870 per litre.
Over 100,000 vehicles have since been converted, signaling strong interest among Nigerians.
However, experts warn that without urgent intervention, the programme could lose credibility. Energy analyst Dr. Emmanuel Okon said:
“The government must balance cost recovery with affordability. Otherwise, CNG adoption will collapse, and Nigerians will see it as another failed reform.”
The Federal Government insists the long-term benefits of CNG remain intact. Officials argue that with adequate infrastructure and regulatory oversight, CNG can still deliver affordable, cleaner energy to Nigerians.
But for many vehicle owners currently stuck in queues or paying almost double the original cost, patience is wearing thin.
Unless the government accelerates infrastructure rollout and ensures price stability, Nigeria risks derailing its clean energy transition and forcing consumers back to petrol—a move that would undermine both economic and environmental goals.