Nigeria has a lot of natural gas, which is a cleaner alternative to petrol, but the country is struggling to make the switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) because there aren’t enough conversion kits available. These kits are essential for changing petrol-powered vehicles so they can run on CNG.
For many people in Nigeria, the idea of using CNG was very promising. With petrol prices going up sharply after the government removed fuel subsidies in 2023, many Nigerians were looking for a more affordable and environmentally friendly fuel option. The government, led by President Bola Tinubu, had plans to convert public transport vehicles like buses and taxis to use CNG, and they encouraged private car owners to do the same. They even set up conversion centers in major cities and offered financial help to make the kits more affordable for everyday Nigerians.
However, this hopeful transition has hit a significant snag: there is a serious shortage of the conversion kits. This shortage is frustrating many Nigerians who were eager to switch to CNG.
A recent survey by DANDALI, a Nigerian business publication, showed that many conversion centers in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, are struggling because they simply don’t have the kits to convert vehicles. One manager at a conversion center in Mushin explained, “We have the technicians, we have the facilities, but we don’t have the conversion kits. It’s frustrating for us and our customers.” Another executive noted that while one center in Ogun State is operating well, the overall lack of kits is making it hard to meet the growing demand from drivers.
Experts believe the shortage is due to several factors. First, there is a global increase in demand for CNG conversion kits as more countries look to switch to cleaner fuels. Second, Nigeria relies heavily on imports for these kits, which makes the country vulnerable to delays and other logistical issues. An energy analyst pointed out that problems like customs delays, congestion at ports, and issues with foreign currency make the situation even worse.
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The survey revealed that many conversion centers in areas like Apapa, Mushin, and Ikeja are not able to operate properly because they lack the kits. Some conversion centers are completely idle, while others are still functioning but cannot meet the demand from customers. Interestingly, one center in Ojota claimed they had no shortage of kits, which raises questions about the overall situation.
For everyday Nigerians, the shortage of conversion kits is more than just an inconvenience; it’s affecting their ability to make a living. For instance, Charles Ogbeide, a taxi driver in Ikeja, had saved for months to convert his car to CNG, believing it would help him save money. However, when he arrived at the conversion center, he was told there were no kits available. Now, he is stuck paying for expensive petrol, and his business is suffering as a result.
Another taxi driver, Olufemi Abiola, was also excited about the potential savings from switching to CNG but is now disappointed to learn that the demand for conversion kits is much higher than the supply.
Additionally, the shortage has led to price gouging, where some suppliers are charging much higher prices for the few kits that are available. What used to cost around N1.2 million to convert a vehicle to CNG is now being sold for as much as N1.7 million, making it unaffordable for many people. One taxi driver expressed frustration, saying, “It’s exploitation, plain and simple. I saved for months to afford the conversion, but now the price has increased again. How am I supposed to keep up?”
Despite these challenges, the federal government recently announced plans to establish at least 150 CNG stations by the end of 2025. They aim to have one million vehicles running on CNG by 2027, and officials say they are making progress towards this goal.
