PCNGI And Ax Gas Launch CNG Auto Conversion Centre In Lagos: A Major Boost For Clean Energy Mobility

By Oluwabukola Jimoh ــ Last Update 15 April 2025

In a major step toward advancing clean and affordable energy solutions in Nigeria, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has partnered with Ax Gas to commission a CNG Auto Conversion Centre in Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos State. The facility, which was officially unveiled on Sunday, is poised to significantly accelerate Nigeria’s transition to compressed natural gas as a viable alternative to petrol, while also making domestic cooking gas more accessible.

The new centre will immediately begin the conversion of government and commercial vehicles to CNG at no cost to drivers, a crucial initiative designed to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs on citizens. The facility has a daily conversion capacity of about seven vehicles and is equipped with a 12.5 metric tonne LPG plant to serve residents in and around Lakowe.

Speaking at the launch, Andre Bassey, CEO of Ax Gas, emphasized the affordability and sustainability of CNG. He noted that while petrol currently retails for over ₦930 per litre, CNG equivalents cost around ₦350 per litre, less than half the cost. “If I have a way to pay less for fuel to move my car, why not?” Bassey asked, revealing that two of his personal vehicles have already been converted.

The CNG centre isn’t just for government and commercial vehicles. Private car owners can also have their vehicles converted at affordable rates, depending on vehicle type. However, the PCNGI ensures free conversion for commercial drivers to subsidize public transportation fares, supporting broader efforts to reduce the economic pressure on Nigerian households.

Safety and Compliance

Addressing safety concerns surrounding CNG vehicles, Bassey explained that CNG cylinders are built to withstand pressures far higher than those used for cooking gas. He warned against unsafe practices like using incompatible cylinders, which can lead to explosions, and urged Nigerians to only convert their vehicles at licensed centres such as Ax Gas to ensure proper installation and insurance coverage.

“CNG cylinders are not the same as cooking gas cylinders. They are engineered to handle up to 250 bar of pressure, unlike cooking gas cylinders that can only take about 30 bar,” he explained.

Clean Energy for Homes and Transport

The facility’s LPG plant will also cater to the cooking needs of residents in Lekki and its environs, providing stable and affordable gas supply. According to Bassey, greater participation from local LPG producers will further stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imports.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, applauded the initiative, calling it a model for public-private partnerships that can transform Nigeria’s energy and transport systems. Represented by his technical assistant, Rosilu Emmanuel, he reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting sustainable automotive fuels like CNG.

Expanding Clean Energy Access

Godwin Okoduwa, former Chairman of the LPG and Downstream Natural Gas Group at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), described the project as a “crucial addition” to Nigeria’s growing clean energy infrastructure. He commended Ax Gas for its forward-thinking approach and underlined the potential of such facilities to create jobs, attract investment, and expand domestic gas access.

What This Means for the Future

The unveiling of the Ax Gas CNG Auto Conversion Centre marks another milestone in Nigeria’s journey to becoming a gas-powered economy. The project not only supports the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan but also showcases the viability of CNG and LPG as cost-effective, safe, and sustainable alternatives to petrol and diesel.

With continued collaboration between the government and private sector players like Ax Gas, Nigeria is well on its way to achieving greater energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering meaningful economic relief to citizens through cleaner, more affordable fuels.

As CNG infrastructure expands across the country, the Lakowe facility serves as both a symbol of innovation and a practical tool for reshaping Nigeria’s energy future.

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.