Tinubu Commissions Four CNG Projects to Boost Gas Infrastructure

By Àkànní Olúwaségún Michael

President Bola Tinubu on Friday commissioned four Compressed Natural Gas facilities across Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

The projects, developed under the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, are expected to expand domestic gas utilisation and support the Federal Government’s drive to position natural gas as a key transition fuel in the country’s energy mix.

Speaking during the commissioning, Tinubu said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s vast gas reserves through investments in infrastructure and distribution networks.

“Nigeria is a gas nation. Our energy future will not be borrowed. It will be built from what we have, and every project we are commissioning today is proof that we are building it,” the President said.

The commissioned facilities include the Portland Gas CNG Mother Station in Ojota, Lagos, the IBILE Oil and Gas CNG Refuelling Station, the High-Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station in Abuja, and the FEMADEC CNG Daughter Station and Conversion Centre in Owerri.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the major barriers to gas adoption in Nigeria despite the country’s estimated 210 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves.

The new facilities are expected to strengthen the gas value chain by increasing compression, storage, transportation and dispensing capacity while improving access to CNG for households, institutions and transport operators.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the projects as a significant milestone in the implementation of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative.

“Nigeria sits on more than 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, a resource that can fuel industries, power homes, move vehicles and lift millions of our people out of poverty,” Ekpo said.

According to him, expanding gas infrastructure remains critical to reducing energy costs, improving energy security and driving industrial growth across the country.

The projects come as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to increase domestic gas consumption following the removal of petrol subsidies and growing concerns over energy affordability.