Federal Government Plans Mobile CNG Stations for Rural Energy Needs

The Federal Government is planning to introduce mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations. This initiative aims to improve access to affordable energy in rural areas, especially for farmers who need it for irrigation and agricultural production.

Ismaeel Ahmed, the Chairman and CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative and Electric Vehicles, announced this at a recent event in Abuja. He explained that the government is considering these mobile stations to reach remote communities where setting up permanent facilities may not be financially attractive for private investors.

Ahmed noted that farmers are increasingly interested in switching from expensive diesel and petrol to CNG for their irrigation pumps. He highlighted Jigawa State as an example, where the governor indicated that over two million farmers could benefit from this affordable energy source.

While solar-powered irrigation pumps are available, many farmers prefer mechanical pumps because they can cover more land. Ahmed also mentioned that the government is committed to expanding gas infrastructure but faces challenges like gas supply issues and delays in licensing CNG stations.

He called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to speed up the licensing process for investors. Ahmed emphasized the importance of safety regulations but urged the regulator to find ways to expedite approvals given the urgency of the program.

Currently, the CNG initiative has converted around 143,000 vehicles, with investments estimated at $2.6 billion. The roundtable event also covered topics like rural electrification and energy security, indicating a broader effort to improve energy access across Nigeria.