₦airaland Forum

PulaPower:
Una go dey alright..

Nigeria's youngest lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, representing Owode Onire at the Kwara State House of Assembly has embarked on an influential journey to France, where she joins peers from around the world for the Organization of Parliamentary Work program.

This initiative, jointly organized by the French Senate and National Assembly and coordinated by Campus France, offers young lawmakers and other parliamentary workers a unique platform to engage in high-level parliamentary training and knowledge exchange.

The program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of legislative processes, policy formulation, and international governance standards.

Through this experience, Shittu, representing her constituency in Kwara State, will gain critical insights into the intricacies of parliamentary work, enriching her capacity to serve in the Nigerian legislature.

Shittu’s participation highlights her commitment to progressive governance and youth representation in Nigeria.

As a trailblazer for young people in politics, she continues to inspire a new generation to engage in public service and governance.

Her visit also underscores the importance of international partnerships in nurturing young leaders who will shape the future of governance worldwide.

The French government’s invitation reaffirms the potential of youth in global legislative affairs. Shittu’s presence in the program is not only a milestone for her personally but also a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence on the international stage.

Her training in France is expected to impact her contributions back home, fostering a more informed and globally aware approach to her legislative duties.

As Shittu engages with counterparts from various countries, her journey exemplifies the importance of international collaboration in creating a vibrant and effective legislative environment.

Her experience in France stands as an inspiring story of youth empowerment, signaling promising developments in Nigeria’s political landscape.

As Nigeria seeks to navigate the challenges of rising fuel costs, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable energy solutions, the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles has emerged as a viable alternative.

While the federal government plays a crucial role in national energy policies, subnational governments can significantly influence the local adoption of CNG through initiatives, incentives, and infrastructure development.

In recent months, Nigeria has faced escalating petrol prices, which have now crossed over ₦1,100 per liter at government-owned NNPC, following the total removal of the fuel subsidy in June 2023 and subsequent adjustments after the harmonization of foreign exchange.

Fuel subsidy, which cost the Nigerian government around ₦5 trillion annually, was implemented to stabilize fuel prices for consumers but ultimately strained the country’s finances. The removal of this fuel subsidy has led to increased transportation costs, thereby emphasizing the need for alternative fuel sources like CNG to provide relief to consumers and businesses alike.

While the federal government has taken the lead in charting a path for the adoption of CNG as an alternative energy source for vehicles, state and local governments also have important roles to play.

1. Policy Formulation and Support

Subnational governments worldwide have implemented policies to facilitate CNG adoption.

For instance, in California, USA, the state government has set ambitious clean air standards and incentives that encourage the use of CNG for public transportation and heavy-duty vehicles. California’s policies, including the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, provide funding for CNG infrastructure development and vehicle incentives, leading to a substantial increase in CNG adoption, with CNG accounting for approximately 12% of the total fuel used in heavy-duty vehicles in the state.

In Nigeria, state governments can adopt similar clean air policies tailored to local contexts, focusing on urban centers where pollution is a significant concern.

2. Incentives for Vehicle Conversion

Many countries have employed financial incentives to stimulate CNG adoption. In Argentina, the government introduced subsidies for converting vehicles to CNG, which has helped CNG account for approximately 20-25% of total vehicle fuel consumption. Local governments played a crucial role by providing additional incentives and support for CNG refueling infrastructure, making it easier for vehicle owners to transition from petrol and diesel.

In Nigeria, the federal government has initiated incentives for CNG adoption, including grants for infrastructure development and vehicle conversion programs. However, the costs for converting vehicles to CNG can range from ₦250,000 to ₦1 million depending on the vehicle type and the level of modification required. State governments could introduce additional grants or tax rebates to lower the burden on vehicle owners, especially targeting commercial operators who rely heavily on fuel for their businesses.

3. Infrastructure Development

The development of CNG refueling infrastructure is critical to its adoption. Pakistan has seen considerable success in expanding its CNG network, with state and local governments partnering with private investors to build a large number of CNG refueling stations. Currently, about 35-40% of vehicles in Pakistan operate on CNG, largely due to the extensive infrastructure established by both national and provincial governments.

In Nigeria, only a few CNG refueling stations exist, primarily in Lagos and Abuja and even the refueling station in Abuja recently experienced some queues largely due to gas supply issues or inadequate refuel infrastructure.

State governments should actively promote partnerships with private investors to establish a comprehensive network of CNG stations, focusing on high-traffic routes and urban areas to ensure accessibility.

4. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns

Public awareness is essential for the successful adoption of CNG. In India, several state governments have launched awareness campaigns to promote CNG as a cleaner alternative to diesel and petrol, particularly in urban areas suffering from severe air pollution.

By engaging citizens through workshops, advertisements, and community events, these campaigns have helped increase CNG utilization, especially in metropolitan cities where it accounts for around 15-20% of vehicle fuel use. In Nigeria, state governments could implement similar campaigns highlighting the cost benefits and environmental advantages of CNG, emphasizing its potential to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

5. Partnerships and Collaborations

Effective partnerships between government and private sectors have been instrumental in CNG adoption. China has collaborated with energy companies and local governments to promote the development of CNG infrastructure, leading to an increase in the use of CNG, particularly in buses and taxis.

Subnational governments facilitate these partnerships by providing regulatory support and financial incentives, contributing to the rise of CNG as a viable fuel option. In Nigeria, states could form alliances with private energy companies to drive infrastructure development and increase CNG availability.

6. Support for Public Transportation

Public transportation systems have seen significant CNG adoption due to proactive state government policies. In Brazil, state governments have been instrumental in converting public transport fleets to CNG, incentivizing bus companies to switch from diesel. This initiative has not only reduced emissions but also demonstrated the viability of CNG to private operators, leading to broader adoption throughout the transport sector.

In Nigeria, state governments can encourage public transportation companies to transition to CNG by providing subsidies for conversion and establishing exclusive CNG refueling stations for public transit.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation frameworks have been critical for assessing the impact of CNG initiatives. In Germany, state governments regularly collect data on the performance of CNG vehicles and the success of CNG infrastructure projects.

By analyzing emissions reductions and user satisfaction, these governments can make informed decisions and adjustments to their policies, ensuring continuous improvement in CNG adoption strategies, thereby achieving the aim of reducing suffering amongst the people while protecting the environment simultaneously.

The cost for converting a vehicle to CNG in Nigeria can range from ₦250,000 to ₦1 million depending on the vehicle type. The federal government has implemented incentives, such as grants for infrastructure development and vehicle conversion programs, to offset these costs. However, additional state-level financial assistance, tax incentives, or partnerships with financial institutions could further reduce these costs and encourage more vehicle owners to make the switch.

The adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria presents a significant opportunity to address rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.

Currently, with petrol prices reaching approximately ₦1,100 per liter and the government no longer subsidizing fuel, the economic burden on citizens and businesses has increased.

Subnational governments can play a vital role in facilitating this transition by formulating supportive policies, providing financial incentives, developing infrastructure, and raising public awareness.

The successful experiences of countries like the United States, Argentina, Pakistan, Italy, India, China, Brazil, and Germany offer valuable lessons for Nigerian state governments.

By leveraging these insights and taking proactive measures, Nigeria can enhance energy security, improve air quality, and foster sustainable development through the widespread adoption of CNG.

With committed leadership, innovative strategies, and a focus on collaboration, Nigeria can move toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, beginning at the state and local levels.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat is an emerging thought leader in the energy industry and a peacebuilding professional. He can be reached at discus4now@gmail.com

Anither563:
This is a very insightful analysis. Thank you for sharing OP.

SmallmebigGod:
And who is the local producer, forget about others , all their petrol combined can't serve Nigerians a bit. Till we have diversified local production this PIA will put us more into paying any price dictated by Dangote.

BTW why do you have to use law to compell people to buy your product. You have good product already, they will by if you offer them fair price , no need for law ideally.

Solsix:
I tire, he should allow market forces. Am yet to see the benefits of this refinery. Dollar is still going up, petrol have gone up. What are we to benefit from this refinery??

Salewa97:
Summary please

pryme:
Some months back, NNPLC said they can't supply Dangote with the required volume of crude supply because they were servicing loans, stupid excuses like this and that stupid dollar for crude is just to show you local refineries are not prioritized.

And pls it's not only Dangote that has a refinery in Nigeria, if Nigeria only buy from them, it will give incentive to more wealthy Nigerians to build more refineries here.
More refineries more supply, more supply means reduction in price.

Why can't you see where this is going?

flokii:
Hw will lose in court and that will signal the beginning of his end.. Nigeria is too big for one greedy man to pocket.

This is not hate game or anything but battle for the soul of Nigeria.. using the term Energy alone for a delicate product such as PMS is misleading, price of PMS determines a lot of things in Nigeria e.g. transport fares, prices of staple foods and other essential consumables, workers wages and salaries, cost of living and overall standard of living.