Nigeria reports 160 operational CNG stations, with 170 in development

Nigeria has about 160 operational compressed natural gas refuelling stations, with another 170 at various stages of development and licensing, according to figures attributed to Ismaeel Ahmed, chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles.

Punch reported the figures on 7 November following the commissioning of an integrated refuelling unit in Karu, Abuja. Ahmed also described approximately US$2.6 billion in private investment commitments associated with infrastructure development. The figures are attributed official statements, rather than a station-by-station audit by B&A.

Operating capacity and the pipeline are different

The 170 facilities in development should not be added to the operating count as if they already supply customers. Likewise, a reported commitment does not show how much cash has been spent, which projects have reached financial close or the timetable for commissioning.

B&A perspective: assess each location’s commercial case

For a proposed station, the financing case should connect dependable gas supply with customers who can use the facility. Fleet demand, site access and the cost of completing and operating the asset matter alongside the size of the national rollout.

Sponsors approaching capital providers should explain their project’s actual development stage and the evidence supporting projected revenue. The national announcement identifies sector activity; it does not establish an open procurement notice or funding approval for an individual operator.