The Federal Government says Kano State is emerging as a major hub for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption in Northern Nigeria, with seven operational refuelling stations and 17 others at various stages of completion.

The government also disclosed plans to establish 127 additional CNG refuelling stations across 31 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce transportation costs nationwide.

These developments were highlighted 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.

The engagement, held on Thursday, brought together 27 journalists from television, radio, print and digital media platforms to improve their understanding of Nigeria’s gas development agenda.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of PI-CNG & EV, Tosin Coker, said the initiative was designed to provide Nigerians with affordable transportation alternatives while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.

He explained that 670 CNG buses had been deployed nationwide, with 285 operating commercially across 13 states, while 302 had been allocated to transport unions, students and government agencies.

According to him, participating CNG bus routes under the National Affordable CNG Transition Programme have recorded fare reductions ranging from 15 to 50 per cent.

Coker disclosed that Kano State had received 25 additional CNG buses to complement earlier commercial deployments, describing the state as a strategic location for clean mobility development in the North-West.

He also addressed concerns surrounding the safety of CNG-powered vehicles, stressing the importance of certified conversion centres, approved equipment, regulatory compliance and proper vehicle maintenance.

Nigeria’s Gas Reserves Rise To 215.19 Trillion Cubic Feet

Meanwhile, the Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Taofeek Balogun, highlighted progress recorded in Nigeria’s gas sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Balogun said Nigeria’s proven gas reserves rose from 208.83 trillion cubic feet in 2023 to 215.19 trillion cubic feet as of January 2026.

He added that average gas production had risen from 6.86 billion cubic feet to approximately 7.5 billion cubic feet per day, with domestic gas supply exceeding two billion cubic feet daily.

According to him, the sector has attracted $3.5 billion in committed investments across four major gas projects. He also reported the completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline and approximately 95 per cent completion of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.

Balogun noted that ₦671 billion in public infrastructure funding had attracted approximately ₦1.6 trillion in private investment, reflecting growing investor interest in Nigeria’s gas industry.

On domestic energy consumption, Balogun said the Federal Government’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) programme was targeting five million households by 2030.

He further highlighted the government’s target of September 24, 2028, for transitioning to a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller gas market framework aimed at improving competitiveness, transparency and commercial sustainability.

Participating journalists raised questions about gas accessibility, affordability, safety, infrastructure development and the implementation of government policies.

The Decade of Gas Secretariat and PI-CNG & EV reaffirmed their commitment to sustained media engagement and public awareness as Nigeria seeks to expand gas utilisation, strengthen energy security and promote more affordable transportation. (Channels TV)