Expand CNG conversion to agrarian states, expert urges FG

A France-based Nigerian forensic investigator and management consultant, Dr. Yusuf Aliu, has urged the Federal Government to extend the distribution of free Compressed Natural Gas conversion kits for commercial vehicles to include agrarian states, where much of the country’s agricultural produce is grown.

In a statement on Wednesday titled “Need to Expand CNG Conversion to Aid Agrarian States and Reduce Food Costs,” Aliu noted that Nigeria’s rising food prices, largely driven by high transportation costs, could be mitigated through the widespread adoption of CNG as a cheaper, cleaner alternative fuel.

The Federal Government is currently rolling out free CNG conversion kits to one million commercial vehicles across eight states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna — and the Federal Capital Territory under the Presidential Initiative on CNG.

However, Aliu expressed concern that key agricultural states were left out of the programme.

He said, “While the initiative aims to promote the use of gas to power vehicles, offering significant savings for commercial drivers, especially those transporting goods, the exclusion of critical agrarian states limits its potential to address a major challenge—food security.”

He highlighted that Nigeria’s food basket is heavily supported by states such as Benue, Niger, Taraba, Kebbi, and Plateau, which are not included in the CNG initiative despite being responsible for much of the grains, tubers, and vegetables consumed across the country.

“Without extending the CNG conversion programme to these regions, the high cost of transporting agricultural produce will persist, undercutting the goal of reducing food prices nationwide,” Aliu said.

He called on the Federal Government to prioritise these agrarian states in the next phase of the CNG rollout, stressing that this would tackle transportation challenges and support the government’s broader goal of ensuring food security.

Aliu further noted that while the initial focus on urban states like Lagos and Ogun may have been driven by the high concentration of commercial vehicles, “the FG must recognise the strategic importance of rural, farming-dominated regions.”

He urged the Presidential Initiative on CNG to collaborate with local governments, cooperatives, and transportation unions in these agricultural zones to raise awareness and facilitate the adoption of CNG technology, which he said would enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain as the country seeks to diversify its economy away from oil.

The Punch