Stakeholders Reiterate Need For PPPs As Shafa Energy Unveils CNG Station

Stakeholders in the energy sector have underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition especially in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption across the country.

This is as Shafa Energy unveiled its new  CNG station in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, as part of efforts to expand access to alternative energy sources in Nigeria.

The launch event brought together key figures from government agencies, financial institutions, and industry partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to cleaner, more affordable energy sources.

Managing director of First Bank, Olusegun Alebiosu, who spoke during the official commissioning of the CNG Station, on Wednesday, noted that the expansion of CNG infrastructure aligns with sustainability goals and global best practices, and is likely to benefit both consumers and the environment.

He expressed satisfaction with Shafa Energy’s direction toward sustainability. He highlighted that development finance institutions place great importance on sustainability when financing energy projects, and that CNG infrastructure, as demonstrated by Shafa, aligns with global best practices. He noted that the company’s efforts would not only reduce energy costs for consumers and businesses but also improve environmental outcomes.

On his part, Shafa Energy’s executive chairman, Alhaji Yakubu Maishanu, announced plans to roll out nine additional CNG stations in cities such as Abuja, Lokoja, Ibadan, Benin, Kano, Jos, Makurdi, and Nasarawa, aiming for nationwide coverage by the end of 2025. He acknowledged the impact of recent government policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies, in encouraging the adoption of natural gas.

Managing director of Shafa Energy, Ali Ibrahim Abiodun, credited the project’s success to collaboration between government agencies and private partners, highlighting the support from the Presidential CNG Initiative, NNPC, NMDPRA, and MDGIF.

Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi,  emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in expanding CNG infrastructure and noted that the shift to natural gas is expected to help reduce fuel costs, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience.

Technical details of the new facility were provided by Shafa Energy’s Executive Director of Gas, Power, and Renewable Energy, Terima Toila, who explained that the station features Canadian-sourced equipment, local construction, and a capacity to dispense up to 2,400 cubic metres of CNG per hour. Plans are in place to deploy additional equipment and build more stations to enhance supply security.

The commissioning marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing transition to cleaner energy and demonstrates the role of public-private cooperation in addressing economic and environmental challenges.