By Bamidele Aremu
The removal of fuel subsidy which led to the hike in fuel pump price in Nigeria paved way for the launching of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria as an alternative means of powering vehicles.
National Pilot recalls that six months ago, on May 29, the Kwara State government led by Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq launched Rolling Energy CNG station in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State.
The Kwara government noted that the station would create more jobs for the youths. Since the launching ceremony, Ilorin currently has 5 CNG centers.
However, National Pilot investigations revealed that the product has failed to gain popularity among motorists in the state despite the mega launching six months ago.
During a visit to Rolling Energy CNG Station last week, a staff who spoke under the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to address the media revealed that the centre has converted 20 government official vehicles and want to embark on the conversion of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ vehicles.
“We have converted 20 government official vehicles and the next phase is to convert vehicles of the Federal Road Safety Corps. After that we will now embark on full scale conversation,” he disclosed.
At Bovas Energy Filling station New Yidi Road, Ilorin, a staff who also spoke under anonymity disclosed that the conversion centre is yet to commence operations as some staff are currently undergoing basic operational trainings.
“Our staff are currently undergoing training on the basic operation of the CNG equipment. The training is in batches. The first batch has completed their training and the current batch will be through by December and hopefully, we are commencing full operations from January 2025,” the staff told National Pilot.
The staff also confirmed that the other Bovas CNG conversion centre located at Tanke, Ilorin is yet to commence operations.
Also, on a visit to Yasin Energy Station in Ita Alamu, National Pilot observed that there are no signs of operationa, as the CNG conversion equipment is yet to be installed. However, the managing director of Yasin Energy Station, Alhaji Usman Yasin, in a telephone conversation with National Pilot said: ” We are still waiting for approval. About two weeks ago, they came from Abuja for final inspection but we are yet to hear from them”
At Lanre Shittu motors in Asadam, Ilorin, another CNG conversion centre, the story appeared to be the same as a staff who pleaded anonymity said the federal government sponsored conversion program is yet to commence though the center can attend to individuals privately.
“The Federal Government sponsored conversion programs is yet to start. We are still waiting for a feedback as when it will Kickstart. For now, we are not converting any vehicle to that effect
“But we can attend to private individuals and fix date for the operation. That is our own operations and not the government conversion program, ” the staff said.
Motorists Lament high cost of Conversion
Meanwhile, Motorists in Ilorin have expressed frustration over the high cost of converting their vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel alternative promoted by the Federal Government to reduce reliance on petrol and mitigate rising transportation costs.
A commercial driver, Abdulsalam Tajudeen, while speaking with National Pilot over the weekend said: “When the CNG was launched, we were all excited about it since it is cost-effective but the high rate of conversion is outrageous. For now, not so many people whether commercial or private can afford it.”
The Chairman of the Allied Truck Transportation Association of Nigeria (ATTAN), Sawmill branch, Opakunle Fatai, called on the government to subsidize the conversion fees.
“Instead of buying petrol for ₦1,100 or ₦1,200, one can easily buy CNG for ₦200. You can imagine the difference. So, it’s a good initiative. But for us to gather ₦200,000 or ₦300,000 to convert our vehicles, we find it difficult,” he said.
While acknowledging the long-term benefits of CNG, such as significantly lower fuel costs, Olarewaju emphasized that the initial cost of conversion is prohibitive for most drivers. He urged the government to reduce the conversion fees to a more manageable range of ₦40,000 to ₦50,000. “If the government can make the conversion affordable, we are ready to adopt it. But at these prices, many of us cannot afford it,” he added.
When National Pilot visited the Press Secretary to the Kwara State Commissioner for Energy, Mrs. Abdulwameed Rukayat at her office last week, she revealed that the ministry is not in charge of CNG regulations and logistics and revealed that the Ministry of Works and Transport is the appropriate authority.
On the other hand, all efforts to get the reaction of the Kwara state Commissioner of Works and Transport, Engr Abdulquawiy Olododo proved abortive as all calls to her line we not answered.
Also, a text which reads, “Good morning sir. This is Mr. Bamidele Aremu from National Pilot Newspaper. I want to get your reaction over the unreadiness of CNG conversion centers in Ilorin,” was sent to his direct line but at the time of filling this report, no reply yet.
The initial excitement surrounding the launch of CNG as an alternative fuel in Kwara State has yet to translate into widespread adoption due to operational delays, high conversion costs, and insufficient government support. While the potential benefits of CNG are widely acknowledged, addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring its acceptance among motorists in the state.
