About two years ago, the Nigerian government started encouraging drivers to use compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of petrol. Now, Keke NAPEP (tricycle) riders in Abuja are slowly starting to accept this change.
Some of them told reporters that they switched to CNG because petrol is too expensive.
John Ameh, who drives from NNPC Junction in Kubwa to Byazhin Across, said: “I fill my gas at the station near NNPC Junction on Kubwa-Abuja Expressway. Gas is cheaper than petrol, but there’s always a queue. The big problem is getting enough money to buy a CNG-powered Keke, which is costly.
Clement Eta said: “CNG is a good idea. But the government and private companies should build more gas stations around the country to make it easier for drivers.
Adamu Usman, who drives from Utako Market to Dakibiu, said: “Switching to CNG has been one of my best decisions. Since I changed my Keke to use gas, I’ve had no major problems and I now make three times more money than before.
But the main issue is there aren’t enough gas stations. The government should build more and make the conversion cheaper. Some drivers want to switch but can’t afford it.
Also, more people need to be informed because some still have wrong ideas about CNG.
Mohamed Yaru said: “Many of my fellow drivers say CNG helps them save money. I want to switch too but don’t know how to go about it.“The government should help people like me understand how it works and where to convert. Some drivers even think it can catch fire when it’s very sunny.”
Oluebube Chris said he wants to convert to CNG but is worried because not many gas stations sell it.Innocent Ameh said: “CNG Keke is the best. I like it because you can even carry two passengers in front.”
However, Samuel Agu said: “I don’t want to use CNG. I think it’s dangerous to have gas in a vehicle in our kind of weather. If there’s an accident, a CNG vehicle could catch fire more easily.”
An anonymous rider added: “Nigerians only talk about making more money with CNG but forget about safety. I will never use or ride in a CNG vehicle. I’ve warned my family too. It’s too risky.”
Khalil Halilu, Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said: “We have a plan. With help from the Presidential Initiative on CNG, we hope to end long queues at gas stations within two years. “
He aim to grow this program to make life easier for Nigerians. Right now, CNG is about 85% cheaper than petrol. The queues show that Nigerians are really interested in using CNG.”
