… sets to complete 4 CNG stations in Lagos by May
… to expand gas transportation pipeline to Ibadan, distribution network in Lekki Free Zone
.. applauds FG/NNPC for confidence in NIPCO’s expertise to revolutionize CNG infrastructure nationwide
NIPCO Gas Ltd has revealed the plan to develop 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide, with the completion of four (4) in Lagos between April/May 2024, while offering AutoCNG for Cars, Taxis, and Keke’s at NGN200/scm compared to PMS prices of NGN610/ltr in Lagos and NGN230/scm against PMS prices of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.
A statement issued by Alhaji Lawal Taofeek, the spokesman of NIPCO Plc, and obtained by Advisors Reports on Sunday, quoted Nagendra Verma, Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Ltd, as giving the assurance that soon motorists can travel across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
According to the statement, NIPCO Gas has been involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009.
Verma said, “The company initially started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later on in Kogi State.
“With the initiatives and clear mandate by the current government, the AutoCNG network further expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State, and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
“NIPCO Gas presently operates 15 Auto CNG stations across Nigeria and CNG vehicles from Lagos can travel up to Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from the in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations.
“Under the current partnership, 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in a phased manner. Locations for 19 CNG stations have been identified and we have received stage-wise approval from NMDPRA and other statutory authorities.
“4 CNG stations in Lagos are scheduled to be completed in April/May 2024.
“For making this AutoCNG expansion project a reality, we are getting due support and guidance from all including but not limited to PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, other Ministries and Departments and Media too who are also keen to see this as reality in near future,” he said.
The statement further established that under President Bola Tinubu’s government directives, NIPCO Gas has partnered with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.
The MD of NIPCO further confirmed that the partnership with the Presidency brings along a huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards the masses of Nigeria and the Government.
He said, “NIPCO Gas is honoured with this trust and belief by the Government and NNPC and has assured that we will not leave any stone unturned to make this AutoCNG expansion plan a reality which will relieve thousands and millions of citizens from the pain they are going through presently.
“Gas distribution and AutoCNG projects are highly capital-intensive projects which require huge investment and highest level of commitment and perseverance, we are sure that with support from all and with continuous push from the Presidency, we are surely going to make it happen.
“NIPCO Gas in addition to AutoCNG is also expanding the gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and the gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone. All these projects require huge investment and a high gestation period.
“Once the above projects are commissioned, it will help in a greater way in deepening the utilization of indigenous gas which still remains under-utilized and reduce dependency on importation of other fossil fuels thereby reducing the pressure on forex.
Verma said, presently, for Cars, Taxis and Keke’s; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN200/scm against the PMS price of NGN610/ltr in Lagos and NGN230/scm against the PMS price of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.
“Similarly for heavy commercial vehicles, AutoCNG is being sold at NGN260/scm against the AGO price of NGN1250/ltr in Lagos and NGN290/scm against the AGO price of NGN1300/ltr in Abuja,” the MD of NIPCO said.
He also said, “NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by the current government, AutoCNG will become the Choice fuel for Nigeria which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on Forex.
“AutoCNG is a project for the masses and of National Cause and Importance. We are sure once expanded across Nigeria; will surely relieve the masses and motorists from high fuel cost,” Verma said.
NIPCO Gas Ltd therefore assured that it is continuously seeking the blessing and support of the Government and media to make AutoCNG a Reliever, Cleaner, and Greener fuel for Nigeria.
