TheCable

Nigeria’s move to depend less on petrol and diesel for road transportation is close to reality as the compressed natural gas (CNG) plant at Ibafon, Ogun state, nears completion.

The multi-billion dollar project will produce CNG to power buses from 2015.

The plant at the Green Gas Ltd (GGL), a joint venture vehicle between Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), is 95%% completed, according to an official of the company.

GGL will set up 35 CNG filling stations in different parts of the country before the end of 2015.

GGL has already established seven service stations, while 10 additional stations have reached advanced stages of construction.

Four of the stations are located on Benin-Warri dual carriageway and two on Benin-Asaba dual carriageway.

One is on Benin-Lagos dual carriageway (Onitea in Ondo and Ibafo in Ogun), another one on Benin-Abuja expressway and one in Delta.

CNG is an alternative to petrol and diesel, because it is colourless, odourless, non-toxic, but inflammable and lighter than air.

Taofeeq Lawal, head, corporate affairs, NIPCO, told NAN in Lagos on Friday that the CNG project would start operations in 2015.

According to him, the project is unique in several respects, especially in resolving the petroleum products crises.

Lawal said the project would reduce the massive importation of petroleum products when it is completed.

“CNG is not a liquid fuel and is not the same as LPG, which generally consists of propane and butane in liquid form.

“The product is relatively cheaper than petrol and diesel. Also, natural gas is a clean burning fuel that reduces vehicle maintenance costs,” Lawal said.

He said that since engine oil was not diluted by CNG, oil change intervals could be extended, while standard spark plugs of the engines lasted longer in CNG vehicles.

Other benefits included the creation of additional employment opportunities, reduced movement of heavy tankers on roads resulting in enhanced road safety and reduction in environmental pollution from heavy automobiles.

He added that other benefits were the provision of dual fuel option for the vehicles, lower exhaust emissions from CNG automobiles that lead to healthy city life.

It will also place the nation in the league of nations that use environmentally friendly fuels.

“CNG has become increasingly popular day by day.

“Nigeria being a gas-rich country, the usage of CNG shall help the federal government to reduce its dependence on the importation of refined products and at the same time provide its citizen a quality life.

“Efforts are ongoing to get key companies in Benin to use gas for their vehicles and generating sets as it is cheaper, economical and eco-friendly as source of energy.

“The cost of conversion and availability of gas are some of the major challenges of this scheme, but concerted efforts are on under the joint venture arrangement to further appeal to the Federal Government to look into these areas,” he said.