Marketers seek FG support to set up CNG centres
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria is calling on the Federal Government to finance the conversion of petrol stations into Compressed Natural Gas refueling facilities.The association commended the Presidential CNG Initiative as an encouraging move towards cleaner energy but emphasized that substantial government investment is necessary for large-scale implementation. This request follows the government's announcement that over 100,000 vehicles transitioned from petrol to CNG in the previous year.
IPMAN's National President, Abubakar Maigandi, represented by executive member Mr. Dele Tajudeen, noted that transforming petrol stations for Compressed Natural Gas use would require considerable funding, major structural modifications, and regulatory approvals, none of which are currently accessible.
“Setting up a CNG station isn’t a simple task. It entails structural modifications, adherence to regulations, and financial investment. Without government assistance, many marketers will struggle to make the transition,” Maigandi stated.
He mentioned that most current filling stations were initially designed for petrol and diesel, and the absence of dedicated infrastructure for Compressed Natural Gas has led to lengthy queues and limited access for drivers.
“Independent marketers are located in nearly all regions of Nigeria, particularly in areas lacking major marketers.
“We are strategically positioned to facilitate this transition, but we require government financing and technical assistance,” he emphasized.
The request for governmental backing arose as Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, disclosed a dramatic increase in CNG vehicle adoption—from under 4,000 to almost 100,000 within a single year.
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