Federal Government launches five Additional CNG station in Lagos

As part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and accelerate the country’s transition to cheaper, cleaner, reliable and efficient energy, the Federal Government has launched five new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in Lagos. The inauguration, in partnership with Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation and the Lagos State Government, is also aimed at reducing pressure on existing CNG facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the projects represent the Federal Government’s commitment to translating the country’s abundant gas resources into tangible economic benefits for citizens. The Minister, who described the launch as a symbol of energy equity and a major milestone in the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, said the projects align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to move the country from policy formulation to the delivery of critical infrastructure.

According to Mr. Ekpo, the President has directed the expansion of CNG infrastructure nationwide, including an additional 500 CNG refuelling stations towards a planned national network of 1,000 stations, with emphasis on ensuring that the benefits translate into lower transportation costs for Nigerians.

“These stations represent access. They represent affordability. And they represent the determination of government to take the benefits of Nigeria’s gas resources directly to the people.

Our objective is therefore not simply to count the number of stations commissioned. Success must ultimately be measured by impact: whether the infrastructure helps reduce operating costs for transporters and businesses, whether those savings reach commuters, and whether Nigerian families begin to feel tangible relief”.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, Mr. Tayo Gbajumo, said the expansion became necessary amid growing interest in CNG as an alternative to petrol, following elevated fuel costs. He added that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, is working to expand CNG infrastructure across different parts of the state to encourage motorists and transport operators to adopt the alternative fuel.

He stressed that the project is about creating an ecosystem that delivers affordable energy to Nigerians, reduces transportation costs for businesses and households, stimulates economic activities and creates job opportunities for residents. “These facilities represent our commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s gas expansion programme and Lagos State’s vision for a cleaner and more efficient transport sector.

They also reflect the power of collaboration between government, industry stakeholders and regulators in achieving outcomes that deliver tangible benefits to our people” In a goodwill message, the Executive Director of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Mr. Oluwole Adama, described Lagos as a strategic location for the expansion of CNG infrastructure because of its large transport economy, commercial activities and population of people who depend on affordable mobility to earn a living and move goods and services.

He said the Fund has a mandate to increase domestic gas consumption. “Let me put it in simple terms. Together, the five stations at Abule Egba, Ajah, Oko-Oba, Idimu and Ogolonto can hold 45,640 standard cubic metres of gas.

At full capacity, they can fill about 8,400 cars per day, using natural gas produced right here in Nigeria. “Behind those numbers are real people: the danfo driver in Abule Egba, the keke rider in Ikorodu, the trader taking goods to “Mile 12” market and the young professional commuting from Ajah.

For the commercial driver, this means less time in a queue and more time on the road earning. For the fleet owner, it means a fuel bill that is easier to plan for. For the rest of us, it means cleaner air on the roads we share”.

Meanwhile, CNG stations are currently operating in Ikota, Agege, Ojota and Ogudu, and with the launch of five more in Ajah, Idimu, Abule-Egba, Oko-Oba and Ogolonto, it brings the total to nine CNG stations in operation. Reporting by Eunice Olile 50% Likes VS 50% Dislikes