NIPCO Unveils Plans To Expand Auto-Gas Infrastructure, Gets 25 Years License
. Explores Delta In New Deal
By Sulaimon Salau
NIPCO Gas Limited has unveiled its plans to further expand the gas distribution infrastructure to more locations across the country, in a bid to advance the use of indigenous natural gas to support economic growth.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nipco Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma, who disclosed this in a chart with the media today (Friday), said the company has already converted over 15,000 vehicles to run on gas.
According to him, aside from several other ongoing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects, the company is already working with the Delta State government to construct a CNG station and CNG conversion workshop in Asaba.
“NIPCO Gas has entered into an agreement with Delta State very recently to construct a CNG station and CNG conversion workshop initially in Asaba. We are hoping to increase the number of CNG stations and conversion workshops in Delta State with the support of the government. Delta State has provided the land for this facility, which is a very proactive and welcoming step taken by them. We are sure, with such a type of public private partnership, it will provide speed to the Presidential CNG initiative”, he stated.
Verma said that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Government has granted a 25-year exclusive Gas Distribution License (GDL) to the company.
The Licenses covers: Ibadan Axis (Ogere-Ibadan-Oluyole-Olorisaoko-Asejire-Ajoda) operated by NIPCO Gas/NGML; Benin City – (NIPCO Gas); Lekki Free Trade Zone (NIPCO Gas/NGML); Kara-Sagamu-Abeokuta-Ibadan Axis (Sagamu Interchange-Ibafo-Isheri-Otedola Bridge) operated by NIPCO Gas/NGML.
He said the milestone highlights its pioneering role in the sub-sector and strengthens investor confidence in Nigeria’s gas industry.
Also, he stated that NIPCO is tirelessly working in collaboration with NNPC Limited and the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) to expand CNG stations, conversion workshops and availability of CNG kits across Nigeria.
“This commitment underscores our vision of providing cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable energy solutions,” he stated.
According to Verma, the company has successfully commissioned several CNG stations across Abuja, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom states.
“Our joint venture with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has strengthened industrial gas supply, particularly in the Lekki and Lagos-Ibadan corridors,” he added.
He said the company is vigorously pursuing CNG adoption and accessibility as it continues to actively work with PCNGI to increase the availability of CNG conversion kits and workshops.
“By forging partnerships with local and international suppliers, we are committed to making conversion kits more affordable and efficient. Educating Nigerians on the benefits and safety of CNG remains our top priority, and we count on the media to play a pivotal role in this effort.
“Looking ahead, we plan to expand operations further to meet the growing demand for CNG. Our strategic vision includes launching additional CNG stations nationwide and enhancing infrastructure such as pipelines and storage facilities,” he stated.
Verma, however, stressed the need for a more streamlined, time-bound regulatory approval system to fast-track the expansion of CNG infrastructure.
