FG Set to Deploy Mobile CNG Stations in Rural Communities – Ahmed
The Federal Government is considering the deployment of mobile Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in rural communities as part of efforts to expand access to affordable energy and reduce the cost of agricultural production.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed this during an Abuja roundtable on “Promise to Proof: The Renewed Hope Conversation”.
Ahmed said the proposed mobile facilities would provide CNG to communities where establishing permanent refuelling stations may not be commercially attractive to private investors.
He explained that the initiative was exploring the option following consultations with state governments, particularly in northern Nigeria, where demand for CNG is increasingly extending beyond transportation to agricultural activities.
According to him, farmers are showing interest in using gas-powered irrigation pumps as alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered equipment, which have become expensive to operate.
The proposed intervention is expected to make CNG more accessible to farmers in remote locations and potentially lower the cost of running irrigation systems.
Farmers could benefit from cheaper irrigation energy
Ahmed identified agriculture as an important area where the expansion of CNG infrastructure could deliver benefits beyond public transportation.
He cited Jigawa State as an example, saying the state governor had informed the initiative that more than two million farmers could potentially benefit from access to cheaper energy for irrigation.
The Pi-CNG chief explained that mechanical irrigation pumps could cover approximately three hectares of farmland, compared with solar-powered pumps, which typically cover about one hectare.
He noted that although solar-powered irrigation systems were being promoted as an alternative energy source, some farmers preferred mechanical pumps because of their wider coverage and operational capacity.
The availability of CNG could therefore provide another energy option for farmers who depend on mechanical irrigation equipment.
However, the actual savings farmers would achieve will depend on the cost of CNG, access to compatible equipment, the availability of gas and the cost of converting or acquiring suitable irrigation pumps.
Government identifies infrastructure challenges
Ahmed reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding gas infrastructure across the country, saying President Bola Tinubu had authorised the initiative to intensify its activities.
He nevertheless identified inadequate gas supply and delays in obtaining licences for CNG refuelling stations as major challenges facing the programme.
He appealed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to accelerate the licensing process for investors interested in establishing CNG facilities.
Ahmed acknowledged the importance of maintaining strict safety standards but argued that regulatory procedures should be made more efficient to support the government’s infrastructure expansion plans.
The challenges are particularly relevant to rural deployment because mobile stations would still require reliable gas supply arrangements, suitable equipment, transportation logistics and compliance with safety regulations.
CNG expansion extends beyond transportation
The proposal forms part of the Federal Government’s wider effort to increase the use of natural gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
Nigeria’s Presidential CNG Initiative has focused largely on vehicle conversions, refuelling infrastructure and the development of a supporting gas mobility ecosystem.
The initiative’s official website reports more than 140,000 vehicle conversions, over 400 certified conversion centres and 105 CNG refuelling stations.
At a separate CNG industry event in Abuja on November 5, government representatives also discussed plans to expand the country’s refuelling network, including a target of up to 1,000 additional stations. Infrastructure limitations and gas supply logistics remain important considerations.
The proposed rural mobile stations would represent an effort to extend the programme to agricultural users who may not be adequately served by conventional filling stations. <Cite refs={[“turn558313search2″,”turn558313search6″,”turn558313search7”]}/>
What the proposed mobile stations could mean for rural communities
If implemented successfully, mobile CNG stations could improve access to alternative energy in farming communities and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel for selected agricultural operations.
Lower energy costs could help farmers manage irrigation expenses, particularly during dry-season farming when water pumps are essential for crop production.
The proposal could also encourage the development of CNG-compatible agricultural equipment and create opportunities for businesses involved in gas distribution, equipment maintenance and technical services.
However, the government has not yet announced a confirmed deployment timetable, the number of mobile stations to be introduced, the first beneficiary communities or the pricing arrangement for farmers.
There are also practical issues to address, including the availability of compatible irrigation pumps, the cost of equipment conversion, reliable gas supply and safety requirements for mobile refuelling facilities.
For now, the Federal Government’s announcement signals an intention to explore CNG access for rural agriculture. The impact will depend on how quickly the proposal moves from consultation and planning to actual deployment.
