By Chiagoziem Abosi
With the rising cost of petrol, many people in Ikeja are looking for cheaper fuel options, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is becoming popular. CNG is available at several filling stations around Lagos, including the NNPC stations in Agidingbi and Challenge Bus Stop, where it costs about N200 per cubic foot. We spoke to some people in Ikeja who have started using CNG, as well as those who haven’t, to hear their thoughts on this alternative fuel.
What CNG Users Are Saying
Ademola Ajayi, a taxi driver, shared, “Switching to CNG have save me a lot. I used to spend around N10,000 each week on fuel, but now it’s almost half of that. The N200 price per cubic foot is way better for me. The conversion wasn’t cheap, it took me over #600,000 to do but I’m enjoying the money now.”
Grace Eke, who commutes daily to her job at a bakery, is also happy with the switch. “It’s cleaner, and it doesn’t smell like petrol. I was not sure at first, but now I feel I made good choice. More people should think about changing to CNG.”
Concerns from Non-Users
Not everyone has made the change. Olu Ojo, who has yet to convert his car, explained, “I like the idea of CNG, but it costs a lot to convert. Plus, I’m not sure there are enough CNG stations around if I want to go on a long drive. I need to know that I can get fuel when I need it.”
Amaka Nduka, a small business owner, feels the same. “CNG might be cheaper, but the conversion cost is too much for me right now. I’ve heard that once you convert, it’s hard to go back to petrol, so I’m sticking with what I know for now.”
Feedback from CNG Station Attendants
At the NNPC station in Agidingbi, station worker Yusuf Adewale has noticed the increase in CNG customers. “We get more drivers every week, and they seem really happy about saving money. It feels like a new thing that just starting,” he shared. He mentioned that the station receives regular supplies, thanks to efforts to increase the availability of CNG in Lagos.
Another attendant, Blessing Emeka, works at the Challenge Bus Stop station. She said, “People come in with lots of questions. Many are tired of the petrol prices, so they’re thinking about switching to CNG. We’re seeing a lot of people that come to change their own.”
As CNG grows in popularity, Ikeja residents are starting to make the switch for the sake of their wallets and the environment. But while some are all in, others are hesitant due to the cost of converting and worries about where they can fill up. With more stations opening, CNG could soon become a more common sight on the streets of Ikeja.