Nord Automobiles, Mezovest urge FG to boost CNG investment for wider adoption

Nord Automobiles and Mezovest have called on the federal government to accelerate investments in compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure to drive growth in the sector and foster wider adoption.

Stressing the strategic importance of CNG in Nigeria’s energy mix, they urged the government to prioritise developing refuelling stations and conversion kits for the mass adoption of CNG vehicles.

Speaking at an event on CNG organised by Avalon Media, Oluwatobi Ajayi, chief executive officer (CEO) of Nord Automobiles, emphasised the importance of transitioning to CNG, citing environmental and economic benefits.

“The adoption of CNG is crucial for Nigeria’s sustainable future. It is a more cost-effective alternative and will ease the financial pressure on many Nigerians,” Ajayi said.

“The only problem is that people willing to convert to CNG are worried about the unavailability of refuelling stations.”

On his part, Tosin Thompson, CEO of Mezovest, called for policy support and incentives to stimulate the CNG market.

He said government investments in CNG infrastructure will accelerate the growth of the sector and also attract private investors and provide job opportunities, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

“Accelerating investments in CNG will help Nigeria achieve its climate goals and reduce our dependency on imported fuels, strengthening our economy,” Thompson said.

The Mezovest CEO expressed willingness to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to realise the vision.

The federal government had planned on embarking on a robust CNG programme as part of its palliative schemes to ease the economic hardship on Nigerians grappling with high transportation costs due to high petrol prices.

In April, the federal government said it would launch the CNG initiative ahead of the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on May 29.

While Nigerians await the official launch, several CNG conversation centres have been inaugurated nationwide.