Nigeria Advances CNG-Powered Rail to Cut Costs and Emissions

Nigeria’s railway sector embraces CNG technology to reduce diesel costs by 70%, lower emissions, and stimulate economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Nigeria’s CNG Rail Initiative Cuts Costs and Emissions

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is transitioning from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

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This move, in partnership with the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), aims to reduce diesel expenses by 70%, significantly lowering operational costs. A successful pilot project demonstrated over 60% savings, validating the initiative’s potential.

Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC’s Managing Director, emphasized the broader economic benefits, stating that reduced fuel costs will lower transportation expenses, stimulate freight movement, and ease inflationary pressures. “Lower operating costs don’t just help the NRC—they ripple through the entire economy,” he noted.

The MoU with PCNGI includes plans to establish CNG conversion centers across NRC facilities nationwide. These centers will also serve as training hubs, integrating CNG systems into engineering curricula at schools in Ibadan, Enugu, Kafanchan, and Zaria. This initiative aims to equip a new generation with skills essential for Nigeria’s energy transition.

To raise public awareness, NRC coaches will serve as mobile CNG education platforms. Pilot stations in gas-rich states like Oyo will supply CNG to local commuters and small businesses, promoting the adoption of clean energy alternatives.

Nigeria’s Rail Infrastructure Developments Underway

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has completed key railway projects, including the Port Harcourt–Aba line and the Lagos–Apapa Port corridor. New standard gauge routes connecting Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri are in development, alongside inter-state projects involving Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Jigawa.

Freight logistics have improved, with goods now moving smoothly from Apapa Port to Ibadan. Large-scale projects like the AKK gas pipeline benefit from efficient rail delivery. However, Opeifa condemned ongoing vandalism, especially in Lagos and Minna, and called for stronger public support to protect rail infrastructure.

Despite challenges, partnerships with states such as Lagos, Plateau, and Kaduna under the “Railing with the States” program continue to enhance track utilization. The Lagos Red Line is already sharing the federal corridor with the Lagos–Ibadan route, reflecting a more unified national approach.

“We’re cutting costs, connecting the country, and investing in the future,” Opeifa concluded.

Source, photo: thenationonlineng.net

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