Nigeria Sets Ambitious Goal: 500 CNG Refuelling Stations in Three Years
Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) has concluded negotiations with the leading Chinese manufacturer Endurance Group to roll out 500 compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling stations across the country over the next three years. The collaboration is part of a broader push to diversify energy sources, reduce emissions, and expand access to cleaner fuel for transport and industrial users.
Speaking after the briefing, MDGIF officials emphasized that the project will harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to create a reliable nationwide refuelling network. The plan aligns with national energy goals to lower carbon intensity in transportation and support economic growth through cost-effective clean-energy solutions for fleets, taxi operators, logistics companies, and public transport providers.
Why CNG?” The Case for Clean, Efficient Refuelling
Compressed natural gas offers a cleaner alternative to diesel and petrol for vehicles, producing fewer particulate matter emissions and lower nitrogen oxides. For Nigeria, CNG can also reduce fuel import bills and strengthen energy security by utilizing domestically produced gas. The MDGIF-Endurance Group partnership aims to deliver standardized, reliable refuelling infrastructure capable of serving both private fleets and commercial operators even in urban and peri-urban areas.
Industry observers highlight that the success of such a rollout depends on robust gas supply chains, reliable compression technology, and a regulatory environment that supports fuel switching without stifling investment. The Endurance Group brings engineering expertise and experience from their prior deployments in similar markets, which MDGIF hopes will accelerate the project timeline.
Implementation Roadmap and Key Milestones
The plan calls for phased deployment beginning with major commercial corridors and freight hubs. In the first 12 months, a pilot network will be established across several states to test station performance, maintenance regimes, and safety protocols. If successful, the second year will scale up to broader regions, with rapid expansion in urban centers to service logistics fleets and taxi associations. By the end of year three, the network aims to reach 500 operational CNG refuelling points nationwide.
Core components of the rollout include:
- Standardised station design for quick maintenance and safety compliance
- Secure supply agreements to ensure regular gas deliveries and price stability
- Access controls and digital payments to ease fleet operators’ refuelling
- Training programs for technicians and local workforce development to sustain operations
Economic and Environmental Impacts
Beyond cleaner air and reduced emissions, the CNG programme is expected to create jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance of the refuelling network. Local capacity-building efforts will focus on developing a skilled workforce to manage, repair, and monitor the stations. Economically, fleets that switch to CNG can benefit from lower fuel costs, which may translate into competitive freight rates and more affordable mobility options for urban residents.
Environmental advocates note that achieving meaningful outcomes will require careful monitoring of methane leakage along the gas supply chain and adherence to international safety standards. The MDGIF and Endurance Group have signalled commitments to rigorous safety audits and transparent reporting as the project progresses.
Stakeholder Reactions and Next Steps
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the collaboration as a potential catalyst for Nigeria’s clean-energy transition. Transportation unions and logistics groups are especially encouraged by the prospect of predictable refuelling options and lower operating costs. Government officials say the project may set a precedent for public-private partnerships in the gas sector, potentially unlocking further investments in gas infrastructure and related downstream ventures.
As the project moves from agreement to implementation, MDGIF plans to publish detailed rollout schedules, station locations, and safety guidelines. Local communities are expected to benefit from improved energy access and opportunities linked to the development of this nationwide network.
