“NIPCO Managing Director Foresees Expansion of CNG Network Through NNPCL Collaboration”

NIPCO Gas Limited Teams Up with Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to Extend AutoCNG Network Nationwide

Nagendra Verma, Managing Director of NIPCO Gas, unveiled a strategic collaboration with Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to amplify the AutoCNG infrastructure across the country, offering motorists an alternative fuel option.

Verma emphasized this development during a recent update on the company’s initiatives aimed at promoting gas utilization in vehicular transportation nationwide, alongside its pipeline expansion projects in Lagos.

Highlighting NIPCO Gas’s pioneering role in AutoCNG development since 2009, Verma pointed out that the company presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations spanning from Benin City to Ibafo in Ogun State and Kogi State.

With the partnership in place, Verma outlined plans to extend the AutoCNG network to pivotal locations such as Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State. The company aims to construct 35 new AutoCNG stations, with four stations slated for completion in Lagos by April/May 2024.

Verma underscored the significance of the partnership in facilitating the realization of AutoCNG stations and ancillary facilities like conversion kit workshops nationwide.

In addition to AutoCNG expansion, NIPCO Gas is progressing with its gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and enhancing its gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone, contributing to indigenous gas utilization and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Verma expressed optimism regarding AutoCNG’s competitive pricing compared to traditional fuels, stressing that continued government support will propel it to become motorists’ preferred choice nationwide, easing import pressures and Forex burdens.

Acknowledging stakeholders including PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, and NNPCL, Verma highlighted the capital-intensive nature of gas distribution and AutoCNG projects, necessitating significant investment and perseverance.

Last year, President Bola Tinubu endorsed the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative, targeting the adoption of over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles, aiming to bolster local manufacturing, assembly, and job creation in alignment with presidential directives.

However, stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors have lamented the shortage of requisite CNG stations, hindering the FG’s initiative and impeding the widespread adoption and utilization of CNG-powered vehicles.

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