Abuja: A material engineering expert and researcher, Dr. Kazeem Abubakar, highlights the potential and opportunities existing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that can be harnessed if the government provides policy support and required infrastructure. Abubakar, also Assistant Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), shared his insights during an interview in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar emphasized that with infrastructure development and public engagement, CNG has the potential to not only reduce transport costs and emissions but also contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stressed that delivering cleaner air, new jobs, economic growth, and a more sustainable future for Nigerians is essential.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s pivot toward CNG, supported by renewed policy focus and private investment, is a strategic effort to utilize the country’s abundant natural gas for sustainable mobility and energy security. Although current adoption remains small compared to its potential, notable gains have been achieved, such as the conversion of over 100,000 vehicles and the establishment of numerous conversion centers and refueling points.
Abubakar argued that coordinated action is needed to scale and deliver on the potentials and opportunities in converting gasoline/diesel cars to CNG. This includes accelerating infrastructure deployment, expanding refueling stations, compression hubs, and certified conversion centers nationwide. He advocated for scaling up conversion incentives, possibly through subsidies or support for conversion kits, particularly for low-income vehicle owners and commercial operators.
He further emphasized the importance of awareness and safety campaigns, policy consistency, and regulation, as well as linking CNG with broader gas utilization policy. Abubakar noted that lower emissions from CNG vehicles contribute to Nigeria’s emissions-reduction targets and aid in its climate-change mitigation efforts.