NIPCO Gas has reaffirmed its resolve to boost the use of Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG), as alternative to Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS), as it announced the completion of four CNG stations in Lagos.
According to the company, the facilities would be opened for commercial operations by end of April to become the first of its kind in the state.
The managing director of NIPCO Gas Ltd ,Nagendra Verma, briefing the media on the development at the weekend, said the firm has been involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009.
Verma, who assured sustainability of supply after commissioning said presently, for Cars, Taxis and Keke’s; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN200/standard cubic feet scm against the petrol price of NGN610 per litre, in Lagos and NGN230/scm against the PMS price of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.
The managing director, further informed that similarly for heavy commercial vehicles; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN260/scm against the AGO price of NGN1250/ltr in Lagos and NGN290/scm against the AGO price of NGN1300/ltr in Abuja.
“NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by the current government, AutoCNG will become the Choice fuel for Nigeria which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on Forex.” he added.
According to him, AutoCNG is a project for masses and of National Cause and Importance, adding “We are sure once expanded across Nigeria; will surely and definitely relieve the masses and motorists from high fuel cost.
“We continuously seek blessing and support of the Government and media to make AutoCNG a Reliever, Cleaner and Greener fuel of Nigeria”
Speaking on the company’s strategy, Verma said, initially the company started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later-on in Kogi State.
The MD said with the initiatives and clear mandate by the current government, AutoCNG network also expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
NIPCO Gas says it presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria and CNG vehicles from Lagos can travel up to Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from the in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations. We are sure, soon motorists can travel across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
He said “under current government directives, NIPCO Gas has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL for expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.
“Partnering with NNPCL under directives from The Presidency brings along a huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards masses of Nigeria and Government”.
The MD revealed that under the current partnership, 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in phased manner. He also revealed that locations for 19 CNG stations have been identified and the firm has received stage-wise approval from NMDPRA and other statutory authorities.
He said 4 CNG stations in Lagos are scheduled to be completed in April/May, 2024, adding, “For making this AutoCNG expansion project a reality, we are getting due support and guidance from all including but not limited to PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, other Ministries and Departments and Media too who are also keen to see this as reality in near future.”
