Despite the Federal Government’s efforts to popularize Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles across Nigeria, widespread adoption may face significant obstacles due to a lack of technical knowledge among local automobile technicians, a Vanguard investigation reveals.
The government recently took a significant step forward when the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) donated 40 CNG buses to kickstart the initiative.
However, many local auto mechanics remain unaware of CNG technology, which could hinder the project’s rollout.
Technicians Unfamiliar with CNG Technology
A Vanguard reporter interviewed Ola, a renowned auto mechanic in the Oluti area of Lagos, known for his expertise in Japanese vehicle maintenance.
Despite his reputation as a problem solver among his peers in the Old Ojo Road axis of the Amuwo-Odofin area, Ola expressed his unfamiliarity with CNG technology.
“Which one is CNG? I am not aware of that kind of fuel,” he said. “I don’t think I can touch any vehicle that is not powered by petrol for now, not even diesel engines.”
Another technician, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out that CNG-powered vehicles are still new to Nigerian mechanics.
He suggested that the government establish training centers for technicians nationwide to ensure the success of the CNG initiative.
“As you can see, most mechanics do not know what CNG is all about,” he said. “The Federal Government can partner with some established workshops across the country to train technicians to make it work.”
Removal of CNG Cylinders Due to Lack of Awareness
Mr. Henry Ogbonna, a Mercedes Benz mechanic with over two decades of experience in Apapa, shared insights from his encounters with CNG vehicles.
“Before now, we used to disconnect and remove CNG gas cylinders as instructed by vehicle owners because people didn’t know the usefulness and where to refill the gas,” he explained.
He recounted, “Some owners of Mercedes-Benz V and flat booths would ask us to disconnect it, and we have removed many of them in this workshop.
Last December 2023, we removed one CNG cylinder from a customer’s car.”
“If the Federal Government is serious about it, we won’t have any option but to go and train on how to install it in customers’ cars,” Ogbonna added.
Government and Industry Leaders Promote CNG Adoption
Amid the skepticism, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, encouraged Nigerians to embrace the CNG initiative.
During a recent tour of an auto plant in Lagos, he stated, “From my assessment so far, the assemblers are ready for the CNG vehicle initiative.”
Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, echoed this sentiment during a visit to Jet Motor Company in Lagos.
“The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas of the current administration is on course, and the CNG vehicles would be rolled out for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.
“The initiative is reducing transport costs. It is also helping to grow the economy.”
Challenges and Cost Implications of CNG Conversion
Despite the potential benefits, the cost of converting a vehicle to CNG remains a significant deterrent.
Vanguard investigations revealed that it costs over N1 million to install a CNG gas cylinder in a car, a price point that may be prohibitive for many Nigerians amid economic hardships.
Additionally, the installation of a CNG gas cylinder takes up a substantial portion of the vehicle’s trunk space.
A technician questioned, “As Africans, you know we like taking along a lot of our belongings when we travel, so if the CNG gas cylinder is fixed in the booth, where do you think we would put these loads when we travel?”
Experts also noted the incompatibility of CNG and diesel technologies, advising against converting diesel-powered engines to CNG unless done during the vehicle’s assembly.
Federal Government’s Plan to Boost CNG Adoption
In a nationwide broadcast addressing protests against economic hardship, President Bola Tinubu announced the distribution of one million CNG conversion kits at extremely low or no cost to commercial vehicles.
“We have started the distribution of conversion kits and setting up of conversion centers across the country, in conjunction with the private sector,” President Tinubu said.
“We believe that this CNG initiative will reduce transportation costs by approximately 60 percent and help to curb inflation.”
To support the initiative, the Federal Government has allocated N100 billion from a N500 billion palliative budget for the purchase of 5,500 CNG vehicles and 20,000 CNG conversion kits, among other resources.
Private Sector Investment and Future Outlook
The private sector has responded positively to the government’s initiative, with over $50 million invested in refueling stations, conversion centers, and electric charging centers, according to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Automotive industry leaders, including Briscoe Motors, DM Motors, and Lanre Shittu Motors, are also actively investing in CNG technology.
“We started the conversion of petrol or diesel engine cars into CNG and LPG without government funding, and we believe it is the future of the automobile industry,” said Mr. Seyi Onajide, Group Managing Director of R.T. Briscoe Plc.
The Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, announced plans to start rolling out CNG-powered buses this month to ease public transportation.
“Following a Presidential directive that CNG buses must be a priority and preferred mode of transportation by various ministries, departments, and agencies, the government has shown its determination to encourage the local auto assembly plants,” he said.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for CNG in Nigeria
While the Federal Government’s CNG initiative has garnered support from both the public and private sectors, its success will largely depend on addressing the current knowledge gap among local mechanics and ensuring affordability for vehicle owners.
