Introduction
Public transportation is the backbone of daily mobility for millions of Nigerians. From commercial buses to tricycles and taxis, these systems provide essential access to work, school, and commerce. Yet, Nigeria’s public transport is riddled with challenges—high fuel costs, poor vehicle maintenance, traffic congestion, and harmful emissions. As urban populations swell and fuel prices rise, a transformative solution is urgently needed.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) offers a powerful answer. With its cost-effectiveness, clean-burning nature, and availability in Nigeria, CNG has the potential to revolutionize the country’s public transportation system—making it more efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
The Current State of Public Transportation in Nigeria
Public transport in Nigeria is primarily informal and fragmented. It consists of:
- Danfo buses and minibuses
- Keke Napeps (tricycles)
- Taxis and Okadas (motorcycles)
- Interstate transport buses
Most of these vehicles run on petrol or diesel and are aged, inefficient, and costly to maintain. For transport operators, fluctuating fuel prices reduce profits. For commuters, these costs are often passed down in higher fares. Moreover, the emissions from these outdated fleets contribute significantly to urban air pollution and climate change.
Why CNG is a Game-Changer for Mass Mobility
1. Significantly Lower Fuel Costs
CNG is far cheaper than petrol or diesel. For commercial transport operators, switching to CNG can reduce daily fuel expenses by up to 50%. This means:
- Increased profit margins for operators
- More stable and affordable fares for passengers
- Reduced pressure on public subsidies and government spending
2. Cleaner, Healthier Urban Environments
Air pollution in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano has reached alarming levels. CNG vehicles emit significantly fewer pollutants:
- 70% less carbon monoxide
- Up to 90% fewer nitrogen oxides
- No particulate matter or unburnt hydrocarbons
This translates into better air quality, fewer respiratory diseases, and reduced healthcare costs.
3. Less Wear and Tear on Engines
CNG burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, leading to:
- Lower engine deposits
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Longer vehicle lifespan
For transport fleet owners, this means fewer breakdowns and more consistent income.
CNG-Powered Buses and Transit Fleets: Global Inspiration
Countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt have already demonstrated the impact of CNG on public transit. In Delhi, for instance, over 11,000 buses now run on CNG, helping cut city pollution drastically. Nigeria can emulate and localize these models to suit its unique transport landscape.
Local CNG Infrastructure Development
For CNG to transform Nigerian public transport, the following must be scaled:
- CNG conversion workshops and training centres
- Refueling stations across cities and highways
- Incentives for public and private transport operators to convert fleets
- CNG-powered vehicle manufacturing or imports
Private sector investment and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial to building this infrastructure sustainably.
Government Policy and Regulatory Support
Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels must prioritize:
- Tax waivers on CNG conversion kits and vehicles
- Grants and loans for fleet conversion
- Regulation of CNG quality and safety standards
- Integration of CNG in transportation and urban planning policies
The National Gas Expansion Program (NGEP) and Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative must embed urban transport as a core use case for domestic gas.
Inclusive Transport Solutions: Empowering the Underserved
Beyond metropolitan centers, rural and peri-urban communities can benefit from affordable CNG-powered vehicles, especially where public transport is scarce or overpriced. CNG-powered buses can connect remote communities to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
In addition, female entrepreneurs and youth can be empowered through ownership of CNG vehicles, promoting inclusive economic participation in the transport sector.
The Long-Term Vision: Sustainable, Modern Mobility
Imagine a Nigeria where:
- Lagos BRT buses are entirely CNG-powered.
- Abuja taxis and ride-hailing fleets operate cleanly and cheaply.
- Rural minibuses run on locally sourced gas, cutting village transport costs in half.
- Cities enjoy clean air, quiet streets, and reliable commuting systems.
This is not a dream—it’s a roadmap Nigeria can follow with determined investment and leadership.
Conclusion
CNG is more than just a cheaper fuel—it’s a catalyst for transforming how Nigerians move. Cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient public transportation will strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for millions. To truly revolutionize Nigeria’s mobility systems, CNG must move from being an option to becoming the standard.
The journey begins now.