The Nigeria Government’s directive to convert vehicles from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG) is a good step towards reducing Nigerians financial pains from the hike in petrol price; however, this transition requires careful consideration of the economic implications, potential hazards, and technical challenges.
Given the rule of demand and supply, the economic implications of CNG conversion would mean that an increased demand for CNG will lead to price increase,and this would, hence, negate the intended economic benefits. Also, the conversion cost is another issue as vehicle owners will need to spend money for conversion, which could be a financial burden.
The hazards associated with CNG conversion should be a matter of concern too. As CNG is highly flammable and requires specialized handling which I believe Nigeria is yet to have enough technical resources to deal with the demand.
An improper installation, maintenance, or usage can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities, like the one that happens in a filling station in the city of Benin, Edo state earlier this week.
To add is the fact that converting petrol engines to CNG requires significant modifications, which will, undoubtedly, compromise vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and engine lifespan if not done correctly. Sadly, Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure is still developing, with both limited fueling stations, limited technical resources and inadequate maintenance facilities.
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Conversion to CNG is not really the solution to solve climate issue. CNG is still part of fossil fuels, and there’s a total need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate climate change. Other countries of the world like Canada, USA and the rest are gradually moving from fossil fuels and going green. Many of them are rather investing in their tech sector, so it could pave the way for electric vehicles (EVs). Nigeria, like other Saner countries, should prioritize investment in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Encouraging EVs adoption could provide a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative. Although CNG as a transitional fuel can serve as a bridge to cleaner energy sources, Nigeria should focus on developing infrastructure for EVs and renewable energy.
We have to fix our electricity problem once and for all, it’s a shame that in 2024, we still can’t light up our country by providing 24/7 electricity supply.
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