Photo caption: Managing Director, NIPCO Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma
By Emeka Ugwuanyi
The management of NIPCO Gas Limited has embarked on substantial expansion of gas infrastructure and construction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations as part of efforts in achieving presidential renewed hope on energy security and presidential initiative on CNG as a reliable and affordable alternative fuel to petrol.
Inadequate energy supply owing largely to poor or lack of infrastructure has been the bane of Nigeria’s industrialization and undue migration to cities by Nigerians. Additionally, the energy transition policy has made gas the bride of energy source hence the government christened it “Nigeria’s energy transition fuel.”
At a strategic media engagement forum in Lagos at the weekend with reporters, the Managing Director, NIPCO Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma, unveiled ongoing and completed gas infrastructure and CNG projects and the company in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) are working on.
According to Verma, the company is constructing two major pipeline projects, which includes Ibadan Gas Distribution Project, Abeokuta Gas Distribution Expansion and the Gas Infrastructure in Lekki Free Trade Zone, which has been completed.
Photo caption: Managing Director, NIPCO Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma
On Ibadan Gas Distribution Project, he noted that pursuant to the mandate granted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), NIPCO Gas Limited, in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), is currently constructing an 18-inch, 80-kilometre natural gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan. The project is scheduled for completion by June/July 2026 and is expected to significantly improve gas availability to industries and commercial consumers in Ogun and Oyo State and adjoining areas.
“This critical infrastructure will enhance manufacturing competitiveness, reduce production costs for industries currently dependent on alternative fuels, and stimulate regional economic growth. Given its strategic importance to Southwest industrialization and national energy security, we respectfully seek the continued cooperation and support of relevant Federal and State Government authorities to ensure timely and seamless execution,” the NIPCO Gas Limited boss said.
For the Abeokuta Gas Distribution Expansion, Verma stated that in furtherance of deepening gas penetration in the Southwest region, NIPCO Gas Limited, in partnership with NGML, is also developing gas distribution infrastructure from Sagamu to Abeokuta in Ogun State. “This initiative is expected to accelerate industrial growth within the state, attract new manufacturing investments, improve energy reliability for existing businesses, and strengthen internally generated revenue.
Photo caption: NIPCO Gas service station
“The project continues to enjoy strong collaboration and support from the Ogun State Government, reflecting a shared commitment to energy-driven economic development and sustainable industrial expansion,” he added.
On the Gas Infrastructure in Lekki Free Trade Zone, he said: “NIPCO Gas Limited in partnership with NGML has developed gas distribution infrastructure within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, strengthening energy access for industries operating within this rapidly expanding economic corridor. The Lekki axis has emerged as a major hub for industrial and export-oriented activities, and reliable gas supply is fundamental to sustaining its growth trajectory. Our infrastructure within the zone reinforces Lagos State’s position as a leading industrial and commercial centre in Nigeria.”
On deepening CNG usage in Nigeria, Verma told reporters that NIPCO Gas Limited is expanding CNG infrastructure nationwide which reflects in the impressive number of vehicles that run on CNG in Nigeria.
He said: “Aligned with the Federal Government’s clean energy and post-subsidy reform agenda, NIPCO Gas Limited in JV with NGML is currently constructing 20 additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Nigeria. In addition, CNG Mother Stations located at Lekki and Ore are at advanced stages of completion. These facilities will serve as primary compression and dispatch hubs, enabling efficient supply of CNG to daughter stations and industrial customers across various regions.
“The nationwide expansion is strategically designed to ensure broader coverage along key transport corridors and high-traffic urban centres, thereby improving accessibility and affordability of CNG for commercial vehicles, fleet operators, mass transit systems, and private motorists. Through the mother–daughter network model, reliable gas supply will be extended to areas not directly connected to pipeline infrastructure.
Photo caption: NIPCO Gas service station
“All facilities are being developed in strict compliance with Nigerian regulatory standards and international best practices for safety and operations. This expansion is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, reduce transportation fuel costs, stimulate enterprises within the mobility value chain, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to improved air quality.”
Expressing commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and sustainable growth, Verma said: “Through sustained investments in pipelines, city gas networks, and CNG infrastructure, NIPCO Gas Limited remains firmly positioned at the forefront of Nigeria’s clean energy transition. Our projects are designed to enhance national energy security, support industrial competitiveness, promote domestic gas utilization, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic development.
“This media engagement forum reflects our dedication to openness, dialogue, and knowledge sharing. We recognize the vital role of the media in shaping Nigeria’s energy narrative and remain committed to fostering a mutually beneficial and long-term relationship built on transparency and collaboration.
“We thank the media community for your continued partnership and look forward to working together in advancing Nigeria’s gas development story.”
NIPCO, it would be recalled, pioneered conversion and use of CNG as alternative fuel for vehicles that run on petrol in Nigeria.
