The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), in collaboration with the Federal Government, has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to traditional fuels, urging stronger stakeholder engagement, investment incentives, and policy clarity to accelerate its uptake across Nigeria.
Speaking at a webinar hosted by MEMAN, Huub Stokman, Chairman of the Association, highlighted the progress being made by members, particularly in the retail rollout of CNG infrastructure.
“NNPC Retail now operates 14 CNG sites, all performing strongly, showing that demand exists,” he said. “But to scale this, we must ensure steady CNG supply, location-specific infrastructure, public education, and investor confidence.”
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Stokman called for consistent stakeholder engagement, fit-for-purpose infrastructure tailored to urban centres and traffic corridors, and the introduction of incentives such as tax waivers, concessionary loans, and access to foreign exchange.
“The CNG opportunity must not be missed. Nigeria cannot afford to let this pass if we truly want energy affordability, emission reduction, and industrial competitiveness,” he added.
Representing Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), Michael Oluwagbemi, delivered a keynote address emphasising the administration’s support for natural gas as a transition fuel.
“Auto-CNG stands out as a cleaner and more economical alternative. However, to move from policy to performance, we must close infrastructure gaps, unlock funding, and build investor trust,” he said.
He affirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to building a resilient gas economy by collaborating with regulators, private investors, and development partners. “Let us work together to move on the promise of gas for all Nigerians,” Oluwagbemi stated.
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Also speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Lukman Ayorinde Cardoso, Director and Regional Coordinator for the Southwest, said Nigeria’s gas market is one of the most expansive globally, with over 200 trillion cubic feet in proven reserves.
He noted that Nigeria’s deregulation policy and infrastructure expansion projects, such as the AKK and OB3 pipelines, are key to unlocking the sector’s potential.
Cardoso emphasised that NMDPRA is focused on improving regulatory efficiency and supporting a cost-reflective gas pricing structure as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“We are working on frameworks that ensure fair market pricing while encouraging investments across power, commercial, and gas-based industries,” he said.
