NNPC inaugurates 12 CNG stations in Abuja, Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has launched 12 new compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Lagos and Abuja.

These stations were officially opened on Thursday by Ekperikpe Ekpo, the minister of state for petroleum resources (gas).

The national oil firm reported that the new facilities include six CNG stations in Abuja, built by its subsidiary NNPC Retail Ltd, and an additional six CNG-Autogas stations in Lagos and Abuja, developed in collaboration with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited and NIPCO Gas Limited. During the inauguration, Ekpo highlighted the economic benefits of these stations, including job creation and stimulation of local economies.

He also emphasized the role these stations will play in helping Nigeria achieve its goals of reducing emissions and fighting climate change.

The minister praised NNPC for making CNG accessible to Nigerians.

Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPC, mentioned that alongside the nationwide deployment of CNG stations, the company and its partners plan to build three liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations in Ajaokuta.

“There is no turning back on delivering CNG for all Nigerians,” Kyari said.

“Although it may seem delayed, we are determined to progress and close the gap to ensure that the volatility associated with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) does not affect gas.”

Huub Stokman, managing director of NNPC Retail, announced that within the next year, the retail company aims to establish over 100 CNG sites, including 16 sites through the NNPC Gas Marketing and NIPCO Gas joint venture (JV).

“CNG offers Nigeria an affordable alternative to existing fuel products. It will be about 40% cheaper than petrol in Nigeria and with continued investment, it will become a significant part of our energy mix,” Stokman added.

NNPC Gas Marketing, in partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited, has developed an Auto-CNG rollout plan to construct 35 CNG stations across various regions in Nigeria.