The Federal Government says 670 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses have been deployed nationwide, while its cleaner cooking programme targets five million households by 2030 as part of efforts to expand access to affordable energy. The figures were disclosed during a media engagement organised by the Decade of Gas Secretariat…...
The Federal Government says 670 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses have been deployed nationwide, while its cleaner cooking programme targets five million households by 2030 as part of efforts to expand access to affordable energy.
The figures were disclosed during a media engagement organised by the Decade of Gas Secretariat in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV) in Kano State on Thursday.
The engagement brought together about 27 journalists from television, radio, print and digital media organisations to discuss developments in Nigeria’s gas sector and improve public understanding of government initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Taofeek Balogun, said Nigeria’s proven gas reserves increased from 208.83 trillion cubic feet in 2023 to 215.19 trillion cubic feet as of January 2026.
He added that average gas production rose from 6.86 billion cubic feet per day to approximately 7.5 billion cubic feet per day, while domestic gas supply exceeded two billion cubic feet daily.
Balogun also disclosed that four major gas projects had attracted $3.5 billion in committed investments, while the OB3 Gas Pipeline had been completed and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline was approximately 95 per cent complete.
He further stated that ₦671 billion in public infrastructure funding had attracted about ₦1.6 trillion in private investment, highlighting opportunities for further investment in the sector.
*CNG buses record fare reductions*
On transportation, the Chief Operating Officer of PI-CNG & EV, Tosin Coker, said the adoption of CNG could help reduce transportation costs, improve energy security and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.
He disclosed that of the 670 CNG buses deployed nationwide, 285 were operating commercially across 13 states, while 302 had been allocated to transport unions, students and government agencies.
According to the initiative, hundreds of additional CNG buses and tricycles are on order to expand access to alternative transportation options.
It added that participating routes under the National Affordable CNG Transition Programme had recorded fare reductions of between 15 and 50 per cent.
The initiative also announced plans to establish 127 additional CNG refuelling stations across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve access to the fuel and encourage wider adoption.
Kano State was identified as a strategic centre for CNG development in Northern Nigeria, with seven operational refuelling stations and 17 others at various stages of completion.
The state has also received 25 additional CNG buses to complement earlier commercial deployments, with the initiative identifying opportunities for affordable transportation, investment and industrial development along the northern gas corridor.
*FG targets five million households for cleaner cooking*
Balogun said the Federal Government’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) programme was targeting five million households by 2030.
He disclosed that programme activities had commenced in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, alongside distribution initiatives involving 27,000 LPG cylinders and ongoing regional sensitisation campaigns.
The initiative also highlighted plans for Nigeria to transition to a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller gas market framework by September 24, 2028, with the aim of improving competition, transparency and commercial sustainability.
*Journalists seek improved public awareness*
During the interactive session, journalists raised questions about gas accessibility, affordability, safety, infrastructure development and the implementation of government policies.
Addressing concerns about CNG safety, Coker stressed the importance of using certified vehicle conversion centres, approved equipment and complying with regulatory requirements. He also emphasised the need for proper vehicle maintenance.
Speaking on behalf of the participating journalists, Murtala Adewale of The Guardian commended the organisers, describing the engagement as informative, educative and beneficial to media practitioners.
He called for more frequent capacity-building sessions, broader participation by journalists and stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders and regulatory agencies to promote accurate reporting on developments in the gas sector.
The Kano engagement was the first formal media session organised by the two initiatives in the state, following similar engagements in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
The Decade of Gas Secretariat and PI-CNG & EV reaffirmed their commitment to sustained media engagement, stakeholder collaboration and public education as Nigeria pursues its gas development agenda