Federal Government/Decades Of Gas Assures Safety Of CNG Initiatives Deploy 670 Buses Across Nigeria
From Muhammad Kabir, Kano
The Federal Government through the Decades of Gas Initiative, has addressed public concerns about Compressed Natural Gas, CNG safety, as 670 Buses have been so far deployed across the Federation to help reduce public Cost of transportation, safety and risk management. while emphasising the importance of certified conversion centres, approved equipment, regulatory compliance and proper vehicle maintenance.
The Decade of Gas Secretariat, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), continued its nationwide media engagement programme with a capacity-building session held in Kano State on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The engagement brought together about Twenty-Seven (27) journalists from television, radio, print and digital media platforms to deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s gas development agenda, promote informed reporting and strengthen public awareness of opportunities within the gas sector.The
Speaking on progress in Nigeria’s gas sector, Mr. Taofeek Balogun,the Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas Secretariat highlighted significant achievements recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo
He disclosed that Nigeria’s proven gas reserves increased from 208.83 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in 2023 to 215.19 TCF as of January 2026, while average gas production rose from 6.86 to approximately 7.5 billion cubic feet per day (BCF/D), with domestic gas supply exceeding 2 BCF/D
He further highlighted US$3.5 billion in committed investments across four major gas projects, the 100 per cent completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline and approximately 95 per cent completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline, as well as ₦671 billion in public infrastructure funding attracting approximately ₦1.6 trillion in private investment.
On cleaner cooking, Balogun highlighted the LPG Programme targeting five million households by 2030, with launches in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, the commencement of distribution activities involving 27,000 LPG cylinders, and ongoing regional LPG sensitisation programmes.
He also highlighted the September 24, 2028 target for Nigeria’s transition to a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller (WBWS) gas market framework, aimed at strengthening market competitiveness, transparency and commercial sustainability.
In his presentation on CNG and autogas, Mr. Tosin Coker, Chief Operating Officer of PI-CNG & EV, highlighted the role of natural gas in reducing transportation costs, improving energy security and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.
He also addressed public concerns about CNG safety, emphasising the importance of certified conversion centres, approved equipment, regulatory compliance and proper vehicle maintenance.
On public transportation, the Initiative disclosed that 670 CNG buses have so far been deployed nationwide, including 285 buses operating commercially across 13 states, while 302 buses have been allocated to transport unions, students and government agencies.
Coker hints that this is complemented by the vehicle conversion programme, a significant part of which has focused on commercial transportation, helping drivers and operators reduce fuel costs and extend the benefits of CNG to everyday commuters.
The Initiative noted that hundreds more CNG buses and tricycles are currently on order, further expanding the pipeline of cleaner and more affordable public transport options across the country. Under the National Affordable CNG Transition Programme (NACTP), participating CNG bus routes have recorded fare reductions of between 15 and 50 per cent.
The Initiative further highlighted current plans for 127 additional CNG refuelling stations across 31 states, including the FCT, as part of efforts to expand accessibility and accelerate nationwide adoption.
He said Kano State was identified as a strategic hub for clean mobility development in Northern Nigeria, currently leading the North West with seven operational CNG refuelling stations, while 17 additional stations are under various stages of completion.
The Initiative has also deployed 25 additional buses to complement earlier commercial deployments in the state, reflecting growing opportunities for affordable transportation, investment and industrial development along the northern gas corridor.
During the interactive session, journalists sought clarification on gas accessibility, affordability, safety, infrastructure development and the implementation of government gas policies
