FG Initiates Natural Gas Park Project at Ajaokuta Steel Company

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) park at the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State. This initiative, announced by Prince Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, is part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at easing the hardships faced by Nigerians and aligning with the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

Ajaokuta Steel, a key player in Nigeria’s industrial landscape, is set to host the CNG park, leveraging its existing infrastructure. The park will benefit from the natural gas line running from Warri to Ajaokuta, the Metallurgical Training Centre, engineering workshops, and nearby housing estates. 

This strategic location underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing Ajaokuta Steel and promoting eco-friendly energy solutions.

Understanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed Natural Gas, primarily composed of methane, is gaining traction as an alternative vehicle fuel. By compressing the gas to less than one percent of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure, CNG offers a cleaner and more cost-effective energy option. 

The establishment of the CNG park at Ajaokuta Steel aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and embrace greener transportation methods.

The presidential CNG initiative is a step towards a cleaner Nigeria

Following the removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu approved the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) in August 2023. This ambitious project aims to transform Nigeria’s transportation sector by introducing over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and providing 55,000 conversion kits for existing petrol-dependent vehicles. 

By promoting the use of CNG-powered vehicles, the initiative seeks to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment in Nigeria.