Some lawmakers from Northern Nigeria have raised concerns over the glaring absence of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres in the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones, describing the situation as a clear case of regional neglect in the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative.
Their protest was voiced during Thursday’s plenary, 8th May 2025, when the House of Representatives considered a motion titled “Call to Establish More Compressed Natural Gas Conversion Centres Across Nigeria”, sponsored by Hon. Aliyu Madaki, who represents Dala Federal Constituency, Kano State, and also serves as the House Deputy Minority Leader.
Madaki recalled that the Federal Government had commenced the distribution of CNG conversion kits across the country as part of its broader initiative to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and promote cleaner, cost-effective energy alternatives.
Highlighting the benefits of CNG adoption, Madaki explained, “The shift to CNG will significantly lower living costs, minimize air and noise pollution, and extend vehicle engine life due to reduced carbon buildup. It’s also more economical and environmentally friendly than Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
However, he expressed dismay that most northern states were sidelined in the initiative. According to data he presented, CNG centres were approved for states such as Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Ebonyi, with each having one centre. Akwa Ibom received five, Delta eight, Edo eleven, Ekiti seven, and Enugu and Kogi three centres each.
The Federal Capital Territory, he noted, has three centres, Kaduna ten, Kwara eight, Lagos 70, Nasarawa two, Ogun seven, Oyo seventeen, and Rivers eight.
Madaki pointed out that aside from Kaduna, no other state in the North-West was listed among the beneficiaries, while the North-East region was entirely excluded.
“States like Kano, Borno, Katsina, and Sokoto, all of which are commercial hubs, were left out. This lack of inclusion is deeply concerning,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Sada Soli, who represents Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, criticised the apparent regional imbalance in the CNG centre distribution.
“This initiative was meant to cushion the pain of subsidy removal, but instead, it’s deepening divisions. Key transport corridors and cities in the North were excluded, and we must investigate why,” Soli argued.
Hon. Ahmed Jaha from Borno State echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the North-East, being the most economically disadvantaged and conflict-ridden region, deserved priority attention.
“There is not a single CNG centre in the entire North-East. It’s this kind of neglect that has historically fueled insecurity and underdevelopment. Ignoring our region again will only escalate national instability,” Jaha warned.
He further commended the President for the initiative but urged policy implementers to adopt a more equitable approach, saying, “No region can thrive if another is left behind.”
However, Hon. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun State) offered a different perspective, suggesting that Nigeria should look beyond CNG and invest more in the future of mobility, including hybrid and electric vehicles.
“The world is already transitioning to electric vehicles. While CNG is a step forward, we must think ahead and align with global trends on cleaner energy,” he said.
Lending her voice to the debate, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (Kosofe Federal Constituency, Lagos State) called for the formation of an all-inclusive ad-hoc committee to oversee the equitable implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative.
“The committee should reflect the country’s diversity so that all constituencies can be effectively monitored and represented,” she proposed.
Following extensive deliberations, the House resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee comprising members from all geopolitical zones to monitor the implementation of the CNG initiative.
It further urged the Federal Government to establish CNG conversion centres in a fair and balanced manner across the country, ensuring all Nigerians benefit equally from the policy. The Committee on Gas Resources was mandated to ensure compliance and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
