Lagos plans 19 CNG stations to cut fuel queues

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to expand its compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling infrastructure to 19 stations by the first quarter of 2027, as part of efforts to improve access to alternative fuel and reduce pressure on existing facilities.

As reported by Nairametrics on Friday, the state also plans to commission five additional CNG refuelling stations in November 2026, with a long-term target of establishing 29 stations by the first quarter of 2028.

The Managing Director of Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, Tayo Gbajumo, disclosed this during a media briefing on Thursday ahead of the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit, scheduled for November 10 to 12.

Gbajumo said the state government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, was working to expand CNG infrastructure across different parts of Lagos to encourage motorists and transport operators to adopt the alternative fuel.

He disclosed that three CNG stations were currently operating in Agege, Ojota and Oshodi, while five additional facilities were expected to be commissioned by November 12.

“Regarding CNG, the ministry is working hard to develop infrastructure across the state. By Q1 2027, we will have 19 stations across the state. The idea is to continue expanding the network as we go further,” he said.

He added that the government was targeting another 10 stations by the first quarter of 2028 to provide wider coverage across the state.

“Hopefully, by Q1 2028, we will have an additional 10 stations, which will provide coverage across different locations in the state,” Gbajumo stated.

The expansion comes amid growing interest in CNG as an alternative to petrol following elevated fuel costs. However, limited refuelling infrastructure has continued to pose a challenge, with motorists experiencing long queues at existing stations.

Gbajumo acknowledged the challenge, stressing that expanding the number of refuelling facilities was necessary to reduce waiting times.

“Infrastructure is the most important thing. That is why there are long queues, but we are trying to reduce them by increasing the infrastructure,” he said.

On vehicle conversion, he disclosed that converting a vehicle to run on CNG costs between N700,000 and N1 million, depending on the equipment and standards used.

He said filling a 60-kilogramme CNG tank costs approximately N5,000 and could provide a driving range of about 200 kilometres, depending on usage.

The Ibile Oil and Gas chief added that the corporation uses European-standard equipment and advised motorists to ensure that vehicle conversions are carried out by certified engineers to guarantee safety.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the forthcoming Lagos Energy Summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine developments and challenges across the energy sector.

The November 10 to 12 summit is expected to bring together regulators, investors, energy experts, electricity distribution companies and innovators to discuss electricity supply, renewable energy, metering, energy affordability and alternative mobility, including CNG and electric vehicles.

Ogunleye said the state was working towards developing a framework for a secure, interoperable and efficient energy system that would improve electricity access and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ibilola Kasunmu, said the summit would focus on practical solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges, with emphasis on translating discussions into actionable outcomes.

The state government said the planned expansion of CNG infrastructure formed part of its broader efforts to improve energy access, promote alternative fuels and strengthen the state’s energy sector.