Former Acting Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu (Rtd), has underscored the crucial role of infrastructure and gas supply in the sustainability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria.
Iyamu remarked during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday that, “The future survivability of CNG is the availability of gas; infrastructure is our challenge.”
He further explained that while CNG has been used since World War I, Nigeria’s potential benefits from this technology are hindered by inadequate infrastructure. He highlighted Nigeria’s vast gas reserves but noted that many Nigerians still lack access to energy, stating, “In Nigeria, we have the largest amount of gas in sub-Saharan Africa and the second-largest amount of fossil fuel after Libya.”
He further pointed out that past initiatives, such as the 2020 natural gas expansion programme and the 2021 Nigerian gas programme, have not fully addressed the infrastructure needs for CNG. “The world is moving towards renewable energy, and while CNG could reduce transport costs, it also poses risks like safety and environmental concerns,” Iyamu warned.
He urged that Africa, with less than 5% penetration in renewable energy despite abundant resources, should focus more on this area rather than relying solely on traditional energy sources like CNG.
Iyamu also pointed out the potential risks associated with CNG, including “pressure issues, fire hazards, and safety concerns.”
He warned that burning compressed gas could produce nanocarbon, which has significant implications
Iyamu urged Nigeria to focus on improving infrastructure and investing in sustainable energy solutions, emphasising that relying on traditional technologies alone is insufficient. “We must not weave our policies around our inadequacies,” he stated, calling for more effective management of the country’s energy resources.
He concluded by advocating for increased investment in infrastructure and proactive government involvement to realise the potential benefits of CNG and other energy technologies. “Without significant changes and investment, Nigeria risks missing out on the opportunities presented by its energy resources,” Iyamu cautioned.
NNEOMA UDENSI
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