The association called on the government to take bold and decisive steps to establish CNG refilling stations across all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring accessibility and availability for all.
The national leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concerns over the ongoing fuel challenges plaguing Nigeria amid an increase in fuel pump prices.
In a statement released on Thursday, NANS urged the Nigerian government to prioritise the development and substantial investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a sustainable alternative to petrol.
NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, disclosed that CNG represents a cleaner, more affordable energy source that could alleviate the heavy reliance on petrol, which has adversely affected the economy and placed burdens on citizens.
The association called on the government to take bold and decisive steps to establish CNG refilling stations across all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring accessibility and availability for all.
“The government must act swiftly and decisively by investing in CNG infrastructure and raising public awareness,” Afeez stated.
“It is essential that CNG becomes a viable energy alternative in Nigeria, helping to reduce the negative impact of the current fuel crisis on our economy and daily lives.”
The statement read, "CNG holds clear advantages over petrol. First, it is significantly cheaper, which would bring immediate financial relief to Nigerians struggling with the high cost of fuel.
He explained that the affordability of CNG will also lower transportation costs, benefiting students and low-income earners, as well as the general population.
According to him, CNG is an environmentally friendly fuel, producing fewer harmful emissions compared to petrol and diesel.
"This would not only improve air quality but also help Nigeria play its part in combating global climate change. Third, CNG-powered vehicles are known to be more efficient, with reduced engine wear and lower maintenance costs, offering long-term benefits to both individual car owners and transport companies."
Afeez noted that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves make CNG a domestically available resource that can boost energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and stabilize the economy by insulating it from the volatility of global oil prices.
He said by investing in CNG, Nigeria can diversify its energy sources, ensuring a stable, reliable supply of fuel, and protecting its citizens from the frequent fluctuations in petrol prices.
"Additionally, we emphasise the need for massive sensitisation campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of CNG. Many Nigerians are still unaware of its cost-effectiveness, environmental advantages, and long-term savings.
"A nationwide campaign, coupled with government incentives for vehicle conversion to CNG, will foster widespread adoption and make the transition to cleaner energy smoother for all."
It said, "However, we believes that investing in CNG will address many of the country’s current energy challenges and offer a sustainable solution that secures the future for Nigerian students and the wider populace.
"We call on the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively by investing in CNG infrastructure and raising public awareness, ensuring that CNG becomes a viable energy alternative in Nigeria."
He added that Nigerian students stand in solidarity with the cause, as it holds the potential to provide economic relief, improve environmental health, and offer a brighter, more prosperous future for the nation.