Lagos plans 19 CNG stations by Q1 2027 to ease fuel queues

Lagos State plans to raise the number of compressed natural gas stations across the state to 19 by the first quarter of 2027, as it seeks to widen access to cheaper transport fuel.

The Managing Director of Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, Tayo Gbajumo, disclosed the plan on Thursday during a briefing on the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit, themed “Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future,” scheduled for November 10–12.

Gbajumo said the state was working with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to develop CNG infrastructure across Lagos. Another 10 stations are planned by the first quarter of 2028.

The state currently has four operational CNG stations—in Ikorodu, Agege, Ojota and Oshodi—and will commission five more by November 12, 2026.

“By Q1 2027, we’ll have 19 stations across Lagos State. The idea is to expand on that as we go further. So, hopefully by Q1 2028, we’ll have an additional 10 at different locations across Lagos State,” Gbajumo said.

He attributed the long queues at existing CNG stations to inadequate infrastructure, saying the state was prioritising expansion to improve access.

“Currently, we have four in operation now at Ikorodu, Agege, Ojota and Oshodi. And we’ll commission an additional five by November 12. So, the infrastructure is the most important thing. That’s why there are long queues, but we’re trying to reduce the queues by increasing the infrastructure,” he stated.

On safety concerns, Gbajumo said CNG is safe when installations and conversions are handled by certified professionals. He said the fuel had been used globally for more than 50 years and described it as one of the safest transport fuels when properly handled.

He urged motorists converting their vehicles to CNG to ensure the work is done by certified engineers.

“The first thing that I will tell everybody is to ensure that wherever your conversion is being done, it is done by certified engineers. It’s very, very important,” he said.

Gbajumo said conversion costs would range from N700,000 to N1m, depending on the quality and standard of equipment used. He said Ibile uses European-standard equipment for conversions.

He argued that the initial cost could be recovered through fuel savings, noting that filling a 60-kilogramme CNG tank costs about N5,000 and provides a driving range of approximately 200 kilometres, depending on usage.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the summit would bring together regulators, investors, energy experts, distribution companies, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss challenges across the energy value chain.

He said discussions would cover electricity supply, renewable energy, metering, energy affordability and mobility, including the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles.

Ogunleye added that the state was seeking to establish 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, Ibilola Kasunmu, said the summit would focus on practical solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges rather than discussions without clear outcomes.