Ismaila Umaru Lere
The National Economic Council (NEC) recently endorsed deployment of CNG vehicles for public transportation to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on citizens.
The decision was part of resolutions reached at the meeting of the Council chaired by Vice President KashimShettima a forthright ago in Abuja.
Speaking after the deliberations, the Vice President read the resolutions of the Council noting, “we will also pursue vigorously, the mass deployment of CNG-powered vehicles and establishment of autogas conversion plants/kits in all states in the short-term and deployment of electric buses and cars with charging infrastructure across the country.”
There’s no gainsaying that the slow deployment of CNG project since it was launched three years ago has worsened Nigerians’ suffering in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.
With petrol being sold between N617 and N640 per litreacross the country – an unprecedented leap in prices of petrol – Nigerians are currently bearing the brunt and experiencing untold hardships. Before the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, the official pump price of petrol was N184-N196 per litre. It was raised to N488-N557 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on May 31.
The fact remains that in the space of two months, the country has had hikes in energy sources that affect virtually everybody and other things like transportation and food. The increases in the prices of goods and services has worsened the cost of living crisis in the country, with income earners and small business owners worst hit. it’s very tough for households; people cannot conveniently feed twice, creating room for social tension and crisis.
Now the federal government’s plan to implement the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project could help to cushion the effect of this hardship.
Without doubt, the discomfort we are facing today could have been avoided if government had hastened the transition from petrol to CNG.
Going by the resolutions of the National Economic Council, the swift deployment of the CNG is the only breather and viable energy alternative.
Meanwhile, despite kicking off in December 2020, the succour expected from using CNG may not come soon due to issues around poor planning and infrastructure deficit, among others.
This becomes more apparent seeing that the autogasproject is yet to achieve half of its target from the takeoff stage – that is the conversion of one million cars. Till date, the ministry of petroleum resources maintains that only 1,000 cars have been converted.
The big question remains: how important is CNG conversion for Nigerians in the wake of fuel subsidy removal?
First and foremost, CNG ensures economic efficiency as it is a cheaper and more cost-effective fuel compared to petrol. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to a substantial increase in the price of petrol, placing a burden on the Nigerian economy and its citizens. Embracing CNG as an alternative fuel can help mitigate these effects by providing a more affordable option for transportation and industries. This would result in substantial savings for both individuals and businesses in the long run.
Secondly, a CNG-converted vehicle can run both on CNG and petrol and CNG occupies lesser volume in your fuel tank. It is compressed to a pressure of 200 to 250 kg/cm2. In this compressed form, it occupies less than 1 per cent of its volume at atmospheric pressure. Also it enhances the longevity of spark plugs. Due to the absence of any lead or benzene content in CNG, the lead fouling of spark plugs, and lead or benzene pollution are eliminated.
Similarly, CNG is stored in high gauge seamless cylinders which are certified so there’s negligible chance of leakage. It is lighter than air, so in case of leak it just rises up and disperses into the atmosphere and mixes in the air easily and evenly.
In addition, CNG is less likely to auto-ignite on hot surfaces, since it has a high auto-ignition temperature (540 degrees centigrade) and a narrow range (5%-15%) of inflammability. It means that if CNG concentration in the air is below 5% or above 15%, it will not burn.
This high ignition temperature and limited flammability range makes accidental ignition or combustion very unlikely.
Most significantly, the operational cost of vehicles running on CNG, as compared to those running on other fuels, is comparatively low at 70% less consumption rate.
Furthermore, CNG is an environment-friendly alternative automotive fuel. Cleaner fuel plays an important role in reducing vehicular greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution significantly.
Nigeria, like many countries, is battling with environmental issues, particularly air pollution. By promoting the use of CNG, the country can reduce its carbon footprint and improve air quality, mitigating the adverse health effects associated with pollution.
Also, Nigeria has long relied on oil as its primary source of energy. By embracing CNG, the country would diversify its energy sources, reducing its over-dependence on petroleum. This diversification would lead to a more balanced energy portfolio, reducing vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil prices and ensuring energy security for the nation.
The adoption of CNG can significantly contribute to the country’s net-zero transition and its 2060 target by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, the use of CNG-powered vehicles and industries would result in lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional petrol or diesel. This reduction in emissions aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to mitigate climate change and achieve its net-zero goals.
As Nigeria moves towards its net-zero target, there will be a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. However, this transition will take time and requires a comprehensive energy policy strategy. In the meantime, CNG can play a crucial role in providing a bridge between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy. By diversifying its energy sources and reducing its reliance on imported petroleum products, Nigeria can enhance its energy security and achieve its 2050 target.
On the other hand, one of the significant challenges in adopting CNG is the lack of infrastructure for its production, distribution, and utilization. Nigeria would need to invest in building CNG processing plants, distribution networks, and retrofitting vehicles to utilize this fuel efficiently. This development requires significant investment and time, posing a challenge to the immediate uptake of CNG as an alternative fuel.
Transitioning to CNG would require initial investment, which can be a deterrent for many. Retrofitting vehicles and setting up the necessary infrastructure can be expensive, and not every individual or business can afford the upfront costs. The government should actively support and incentivize the adoption of CNG by providing financial aid, tax breaks, or subsidized loans to make it more accessible to all socio-economic groups.
Despite the challenges, embracing CNG in Nigeria holds the promise of a sustainable energy future. The country has vast reserves of natural gas, which can serve as an abundant and cleaner alternative to petroleum products. By leveraging this resource, Nigeria can strengthen its position as an energy leader, moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.
The government should play a pivotal role in fostering the adoption of CNG by formulating policies and regulations that incentivize its use. This includes ensuring the availability of CNG at affordable prices, supporting the creation of infrastructure, setting emissions standards, and promoting research and development in this field. Public-private partnerships can also be established to facilitate investment in CNG-related projects, encouraging the participation of both local and international stakeholders.