Motorists Spend Nights at CNG Stations Amid Shortage of Refuelling Points

Motorists across Abuja, Lagos, Ogun and other parts of Nigeria are enduring long queues—and in some cases, spending nights—at Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations due to the limited number of refuelling points available. Frustrated drivers and business owners say the current infrastructure cannot meet the growing demand for CNG, forcing many to either revert to petrol or lose valuable working hours while waiting to refill.

In Abuja, several drivers described the difficulties they face daily. Momoh Joseph, a ride-hailing driver, said he had been trying for four days to refill at a nearby station in Durumi without success and had to drive to Gosa along the Airport Road to get gas. Another resident, Bashir Musa, recounted how motorists regularly sleep at NNPC stations in hopes of securing gas, describing the situation as unfortunate and wasteful. Businessman Chinedu Orji said he had returned to using petrol due to the hassle of accessing CNG, even though it is cheaper.

Despite the government’s efforts to promote CNG as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol following the 2023 fuel subsidy removal, infrastructure remains a major challenge. In July 2024, six new CNG refuelling stations were commissioned in Abuja and Lagos. However, experts and motorists say the number is far from sufficient.

In Lagos, CNG stations are available in areas like Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Mushin, and Apapa, while in Ogun, NIPCO stations in Ibafo and Obada serve commuters, especially those on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The route is among the busiest for CNG refuelling, particularly for yellow commercial buses operating between Lagos and Ogun. Aare Tiwalade Akingbade, Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ogun, noted that drivers in areas like Abeokuta have to travel long distances just to refill, which discourages many from using CNG.

Scepticism also remains among passengers and drivers alike. Some commuters reportedly hesitate to board CNG-powered vehicles due to concerns over safety. In Kano, the adoption of CNG has been particularly slow. Many drivers there say they are unaware of conversion centres or unwilling to risk the cost and convenience of switching to a fuel type they cannot easily access. Only one conversion centre exists in the state, and just a single CNG station is located on the outskirts of Kano.

Experts have urged the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) to expedite the establishment of more stations, warning that without a strong infrastructure, the policy could falter. Energy analyst Joseph Osaremen said the initiative should have been backed by a clear plan for sufficient refuelling points. Another expert, Chidi Osakwe, stated that major cities like Abuja, Kano, and Lagos each require at least 30 CNG stations to meet demand and ensure the policy’s success.

Meanwhile, PCNGi’s Project Director and CEO, Michael Oluwagbemi, explained that the initiative is private sector-driven, with the government playing a regulatory and facilitative role. He noted that over $480 million has been invested in the project, with two new stations recently launched and four more expected soon. While the government remains committed to supporting private investors and ensuring safety standards, Oluwagbemi called for public patience as infrastructure development continues.

In Kano, logistics firm STATA is reportedly in talks with the state government to deploy 134 CNG-powered vehicles and establish six CNG stations. However, until widespread access is achieved, many Nigerian motorists say they cannot rely on CNG as a practical fuel option—despite its cost-saving benefits.