The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has highlighted the pivotal role of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in transforming Nigeria’s railway sector, citing potential maintenance cost reductions of up to 70 percent.
Speaking during the weekend’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) Initiative, Opeifa explained that the partnership would facilitate the retrofitting of diesel-powered locomotives, the deployment of Pi-CNG equipment and materials, intermodal shuttle services, and CNG training programmes. The initiative also includes the handover of buses and coaches, which he described as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible shift.
He noted that beyond lower emissions and improved air quality, the adoption of CNG would enhance energy security and drive economic development through job creation and infrastructure investments.
“This partnership marks a major step toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly railway system in Nigeria,” Opeifa said. “The railway sector, known for being the safest and most cost-effective means of transport with minimal carbon emissions, must now transition from traditional fuels to sustainable alternatives.”
He also announced plans to convert NRC’s Tejuosho training centre into a dedicated CNG conversion facility, with the technology incorporated into the training curriculum.
Pi-CNG Programme Director, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, said the NRC’s expertise in diesel engine operations would significantly support the transition of haulage systems across the country. He noted that the collaboration would reduce transport costs for goods, food, and energy while improving national logistics and security.
“This milestone sets the stage for Phase Two of our project, scaling from 50,000 to 250,000 CNG-powered vehicles nationwide. We are expecting a major influx of buses, tricycles, and kits from the Ministry of Finance shortly,” Oluwagbemi stated.
He praised NRC’s leadership for embracing the shared goal of a cleaner, cost-efficient transport system, adding that this model should inspire broader adoption across both public and private sectors.
Dr. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), also voiced support for the initiative, commending President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transition Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure toward gas-powered alternatives.
“Transport drives the economy. The President’s CNG initiative is a welcome move that signals a better future for the transport industry,” Akinajo said.
