Only 3% of Nigeria’s gas is currently deployed for the production of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo confirmed it yesterday while allaying fears that demand for CNG could result in shortage of other gas derivatives like the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

“You are going to CNG. Are you sure you will be able to sustain it. And when he said that from the daily production in this country, currently we are only using 3%. “That goes a long way to tell us that irrespective of the demands, we can meet the target,” he said.

He spoke while declaring open the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CNG station opposite Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja.

It signified the physical and virtual simultaneous launch of 12 CNG stations in Abuja.

The minister said, “As you have heard it is going to be simultaneously in 12 other stations. This has shown the willingness and determination of the Federal Government to drive the CNG project. “And of course, as it has been said, gas prosperity programme is in progress. And I am commending NNPCL for living up to the mandate to make sure CNG is available for Nigeria.

It is irreversible as you have heard.

He said the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano Gas pipeline project will be available to contribute to gas supply in the country.

Speaking earlier, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, (GCEO), Malam Mele Kyari said the CNG journey is irreversible.

He insisted that the project is in progress because the development is evident that it is a cheaper and cleaner fuel.

He revealed that NNPCL will construct six modern CNG stations between now and December.

He added that the company will roll out six CNG stations spread across the country.

Kyari said “It is already work in progress.”

The GCEO also noted that NNPCL will build an LPG station in Ajaokuta, three stations of its own, two in partnership with other firms.

Kyari said the essence is to bring the CNG closer to the consumers because transportation is a main factor in the business.

He said once th AKK pipeline is completed, it will bring gas closer to the end – user.

Kyari was optimistic that once the distance reduces, the gas price will crash

The NNPCL boss said, “We will construct six CNG modern stations spread across the country between now and December you will see these stations.

“ We are also building another station. We are building an LNG station in Ajaokuta. Three stations: one belonging to us, two with a partnership.

“What this does is to bring CNG closer to its consumers across the country particularly as distance matters in transporting gas.

“That is why we are doing this project because it is accessible and it is easier. And this is shorter because as soon as we complete the AKK pipeline it takes us closer and closer to end users.

“ As we reduce the distance, price will come down and you will see cheaper and cheaper price across the country particularly areas that a distant from the source of the gas.”

Meanwhile, the Cleanenergy Innovation Limited (CIL) Executive Vice Chairman Shettima Bukar Imam, described the launch as the beginning of NNPCL commitment to diversify its energy offerings and promote President Ahmed Tinubu, CNG initiative.

He noted that “These new facilities are designed to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service to all customers, aligning with global best practices.”Continuing, he said, the ‘CIL team’s expertise and dedication with the full support of the NRL team and its senior management, after meticulous planning and safeguard, have ensured the successful completion and delivery of this 1st step of the project, in record time from the arrival of the equipment in Nigeria !

“Thus, setting a new benchmark for CNG infrastructure in the region. These CNG stations are a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.”