US backs CNG expansion, urges Nigeria to embrace alternative energy
By Ediri Ejoh & Precious Enaike
The California Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, yesterday commended efforts to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure in Nigeria, describing it as a practical and timely solution to rising fuel costs and global energy challenges.
This came as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Portland Gas Limited, Folajimi Mohammed, calls for maximum utilization of the country’s natural gas reserves.
Speaking during a visit to Portland Gas’ newly established CNG facility in Lagos, Omishakin said Nigeria must continue to explore alternative energy sources capable of making transportation and energy more affordable for citizens.
The California transportation chief, who toured the facility alongside former Lagos State lawmaker and Portland Gas founder, Folajimi Mohammed, said the project demonstrates the kind of innovation needed to address current economic and environmental realities.
According to him, the increasing cost of conventional fuels, coupled with ongoing geopolitical tensions across the world, has made the search for cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives imperative.
“I think this is exactly what Nigeria needs at this time and moment. With all the geopolitical conflicts going around the world and fuel costs at record high levels, especially for diesel, gas and petroleum, people need alternatives. They need options to be able to power and energise their vehicles,” he said.
Omishakin, also highlighted the environmental benefits of natural gas, noting that it is significantly cleaner than conventional diesel fuel.
He stated that CNG operations offer environmental advantages, describing natural gas as between 70 and 80 per cent cleaner than diesel, while also addressing concerns over safety.
He argued that misconceptions surrounding the safety of natural gas-powered vehicles should be corrected, stressing that the technology remains a safe and reliable option for transportation.
He, further, disclosed that California, which embraced natural gas-powered transportation about two decades ago, has since advanced into electric vehicle and hydrogen technologies.
He noted that Nigeria could benefit from knowledge-sharing partnerships in the electric mobility sector as it gradually expands its clean energy infrastructure.
“For us in California, we are now embracing electric vehicles more and more. We were at the natural gas stage about 20 years ago as a cleaner option to fossil fuels. Now we are embracing hydrogen and electric vehicles. One area where we have significant expertise is electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and we look forward to sharing ideas together into the future,” he said.
Omishakin also urged Nigerian authorities to sustain efforts aimed at making energy more affordable, citing the need to diversify energy sources for homes and transportation.
While acknowledging recent investments in the country’s energy sector, including the Dangote Refinery, he said more work remains to be done to ensure affordability and energy security.
“My message to the Nigerian government is to continue to find ways to make fuel affordable and cheaper for people. Nigeria has to continue embracing different sources of energy to power homes and vehicles. Affordability remains a major issue, not just in Nigeria but also in California and the United States,” he said.
He commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at improving transportation and energy access.
Earlier, Portland CEO, Folajimi, said the visit provided an opportunity for valuable exchanges on energy transition, electric vehicle technology and sustainable transportation solutions.
Mohamed noted that while countries such as the United States have progressed to electric vehicles after years of adopting natural gas, Nigeria is currently at a stage where it must fully harness its vast natural gas reserves.
“We have an abundance of gas in Nigeria. We have about three times more gas than oil. The true measure of having gas is not what is beneath the ground, but what we are actually using,” he said.
He explained that natural gas would continue to play a critical role in powering future electric vehicle infrastructure, noting that electricity generation for EV charging stations would still require reliable energy sources.
According to him, the facility has recorded encouraging patronage since commencing operations about two weeks ago.
Mohamed disclosed that the station currently dispenses an average of one skid, equivalent to about 6,000 standard cubic metres of gas daily, serving roughly 400 vehicles per day.
“The response has been beautiful. What we need to do is ensure that the rate of vehicle conversion matches the rate of refill availability. Within the last two weeks, we are already serving about 400 cars a day, and that is encouraging more people to convert because they know gas is available for refilling,” he said.
He added that extensive safety measures had been implemented at the facility, while awareness campaigns and stakeholder partnerships were helping to boost public confidence in CNG adoption.
Mohamed also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Mainstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, which he said provided equity financing that contributed to the establishment of the facility.
He expressed optimism that successful completion of the current project would pave the way for further investments and expansion of CNG stations across the country.
The visit underscored growing interest in cleaner transportation alternatives as Nigeria seeks to leverage its abundant natural gas resources to reduce transportation costs, improve energy security and support the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.
The post US backs CNG expansion, urges Nigeria to embrace alternative energy appeared first on Vanguard News.