The abrupt removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has plunged millions into economic uncertainty, fueling frustration, hardship, and growing anxiety across the nation. For countless families and small businesses, daily survival has become a steeper climb. Amid this crisis, however, a critical question emerges, can Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) offer a sustainable lifeline?This article explores the urgent potential of CNG as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to traditional fuels one that could ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians and reshape the country’s energy landscape. Through the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), the government has taken its first bold steps. Yet, the path to success is steep, demanding well-orchestrated strategies to overcome structural and public engagement challenges.
This paper delves into the benefits, obstacles, and actionable solutions that could make CNG not just a policy ambition, but a transformative national solution.
Background: An Economic Shift With Consequences
The decision to eliminate fuel subsidies stemmed from economic realities. By March 2022, Nigeria’s national debt had ballooned to ₦41.6 trillion, limiting the government’s fiscal flexibility. While the removal of subsidies aimed to stabilize the economy, the immediate impact has been harsh: transportation fare hikes, skyrocketing prices of goods and services, and deeper economic hardship for already vulnerable populations.
Yet within this adversity lies opportunity. This turning point offers Nigeria the chance to pivot toward cleaner, more sustainable, and homegrown energy solutions like CNG. As the global energy transition accelerates, Nigeria must not be left behind.
Global Success Stories: Lessons from Around the World
The promise of CNG is not theoretical, it’s been proven worldwide. Countries such as India, Pakistan, and China have adopted CNG to cut urban pollution and fuel costs. In South America, Brazil and Argentina have integrated CNG into public transportation networks. In the United States, over 175,000 vehicles now run on natural gas.
These examples show that with the right mix of policy, investment, and public engagement, CNG can be a game-changer. With abundant natural gas reserves, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead the CNG movement in Africa.
The Case for CNG in Nigeria
1. Environmental Relief
CNG emits up to 30% fewer greenhouse gases compared to diesel and petrol. It also produces significantly less particulate matter and harmful toxins. As Nigerian cities struggle with worsening air quality, CNG offers a cleaner, healthier alternative a literal breath of fresh air.
2. Infrastructure: Building the Backbone
Energy transitions require infrastructure. The U.S. CNG tank market alone is expected to grow by 6.6% CAGR, reaching $630 million by 2033. For Nigeria, strategic investment in refueling stations, conversion centers, and gas storage is essential. Public-private partnerships will be key to building this foundational network.
3. Industrial Applications
CNG is not limited to vehicles. It has broad applications in industries, from manufacturing to power generation offering a reliable and cost-efficient fuel source. Adopting CNG at scale could boost energy security and reduce reliance on fuel imports, especially for Nigeria’s industrial sector.
4. Financial Relief for Citizens
CNG is typically cheaper than petrol, providing real cost savings. For Nigerians battling inflation, lower fuel prices can reduce transport costs and ultimately lower the cost of goods. Stable, domestically priced fuel also protects consumers from the volatility of global oil markets.
5. National Energy Independence
Though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer, it ironically remains dependent on imported refined fuels. By harnessing its own natural gas, Nigeria can reduce its fuel import bill, mitigate supply shocks, and build a more self-reliant energy ecosystem.
6. Job Creation and Economic Diversification
Transitioning to CNG could create thousands of new jobs in construction, vehicle maintenance, logistics, conversion technology, and gas infrastructure development. This emerging energy sector offers a pathway to diversify Nigeria’s economy and tackle rising unemployment.
Conclusion: Lead or Lag Behind
The path ahead is clear and narrowing fast. Without bold, coordinated action, Nigeria risks entrenching the very hardships the fuel subsidy aimed to prevent. But with CNG, the country has a viable tool to alleviate suffering, reduce emissions, and reclaim control of its energy future.
The infrastructure gap is real. Public skepticism is understandable. But these are challenges to be solved not reasons to stall.
The question is no longer about feasibility. It’s about political will. Will Nigeria lead the energy transition, or will it continue to drift deeper into economic crisis?
The time for half-measures is over. The choice is urgent. And the consequences of inaction are already knocking at the nation’s door.It is CNG or chaos. To be continued…
Tijjani Sarki, Good Governance and Public Policy Analyst, writing from Zawaciki, Kano
June 24, 2025
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