Alexander Akolo, a researcher and consultant, has explained the reasons why, in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options, Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles (CNGVs), have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Akolo listed several challenges that have hindered their widespread adoption in the country.
- Engine Knockdown Woes: One of the primary setbacks facing CNGVs in Nigeria is the high rate of engine knockdown experienced by early adopters. Many have been forced to revert to conventional fuels or even abandon their vehicles altogether due to this issue. Retrofitting vehicles for CNG use has, in some cases, reduced engine lifespan. The misconfiguration of CNG kits, primarily relying on dual-fuel technology rather than the more suitable bi-fuel technology, has been identified as a potential cause of this problem, affecting vehicle speed and performance.
- Space Constraints: CNG tanks, essential for storing the fuel, are large and bulky, occupying a significant portion of the vehicle’s trunk space. This limitation leaves little room for other cargo, including essential items like spare tyres. While some countries have successfully installed these tanks under the seats, Nigerian conversion plants often opt for trunk installations as a default practise.
- High Conversion Costs :The cost associated with converting vehicles to run on CNG has remained a significant hurdle. In the past, conversion expenses ranged from N200,000 to N300,000. Presently, retrofitting a vehicle for CNG can cost anywhere between N450,000 and N600,000. This substantial investment has deterred many potential CNGV adopters, particularly those driving carbureted cars or vehicles with multiple plugs.
- Safety Concerns: Safety is a paramount concern for Nigerian car owners, and the fear of CNGV explosions due to reckless driving behaviours and the state of the country’s road networks has dampened enthusiasm for these vehicles.
- CNG Station Scarcity: The sparse distribution of CNG refuelling stations across the country has also contributed to the slow adoption of CNGVs, especially among long-distance and interstate travellers. In some instances, potential adopters have faced the frustration of finding CNG unavailable at stations, raising doubts about its accessibility compared to traditional fuels like diesel and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He concluded that While CNGVs hold great promise as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, these challenges must be addressed to encourage wider adoption.
Nigerian authorities, conversion plants, and stakeholders in the transportation sector must collaborate to find innovative solutions that make CNGVs a more attractive and feasible option for the nation’s motorists.
