FG’s CNG Initiative: Balancing Safety Concerns with Economic Benefits
By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba
One of the major criticisms of the current administration, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is the abrupt announcement and subsequent removal of fuel subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023.
His critics argue that this move has caused economic challenges and hardship for the masses. However, the government seems to have been working tirelessly to address these issues with various policies and initiatives aimed at easing the hardship caused by the unpopular move.
One such initiatives is the CNG rollout to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to fuel, thereby reducing the cost of transportation and easing the economic burden on citizens.
The Initiative aims to address the high cost of transportation and living by encouraging Nigerians to switch to CNG-powered vehicles.
During his recent October 1st nationwide address, the president reiterated his commitment to the issue of transportation; he said his government is expanding the adoption of CNG for mass transit and is willing to assist states in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation. With this development, transportation costs will be reduced to the barest minimum. However, timely implementation is essential.
Recently, the government increased fuel prices, which may seem counterintuitive, but many people have alleged that it is a strategic move to discourage people from relying on petroleum and switching to CNG. According to them, the idea is that by making fuel more expensive, people will be more inclined to opt for the cheaper and cleaner CNG alternative.
The government has already started rolling out CNG-powered buses and tricycles and plans to deliver conversion workshops and refueling sites spread across 18 states before the end of 2024. This is a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on petroleum and promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.
However, some people have raised safety concerns about the use of CNG, citing the risk of explosions and accidents. While these concerns are valid, the government has assured that it is taking all necessary safety precautions to ensure that CNG is used safely and responsibly.
Information obtained from the Presidential CNG Initiatives’ website revealed that “it is safe as a gas, being lighter than air, in case of a leak, it rises and disperses into the atmosphere.”
Similarly, CNG is referred to as a green fuel because of its lead and sulfur-free character; CNG reduces harmful emissions. It is environmentally friendly, natural gas is the cleanest and quietest burning fossil fuel available, emitting significantly less carbon and nitrogen emissions than diesel as well as creating a safer and happier work environment
Fuel.
Additionally, the properties of CNG make it a safe fuel. It is stored in high gauge seamless cylinders, which are certified, so there is negligible chance of leakage. It is lighter than air, so in case of a leak, it just rises and disperses into the atmosphere and mixes in the air easily and evenly.
Equally, the operational cost of vehicles running on CNG, as compared to those running on other fuels, is comparatively low. According to the report, CNG is sold at between N320 – N350 per comparable liter to PMS.
The pilot deployment program includes 5,500 CNG or bi-fuel vehicles to be deployed along the three major transit corridors in Nigeria. The corridors are:
Lagos – Ibadan – Ilorin
Lokoja – Abuja – Kano
Uyo – Port Harcourt –
Onitsha – Benin
By 2027, the government plans to finance 200,000 new CNG buses and tricycles across Nigeria.
The benefits of CNG are numerous, being 18 times safer than petrol and diesel, and being cleaner and safer for the environment. Additionally, CNG is a much more reliable source of fuel in the transportation sector, and it has the potential to reduce the cost of transportation by up to 50%.
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline or diesel. It is often cheaper than gasoline or diesel, making it cost-effective for mass transit agencies. The lower fuel costs can result in significant savings and economic boost over time.
Overall, the FG’s CNG Initiative is a commendable effort to address the high cost of transportation and living, while also promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. With the right implementation and safety measures, this initiative has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
The government’s plan to economies CNG is a welcome development, and it’s refreshing to see the administration taking proactive actions to address the country’s energy challenges. As the country continues to grow and develop, it’s essential to prioritise sustainable energy sources and reduce our reliance on petroleum.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor with Image Merchants Promotion Limited. He can be reached via – [email protected]
