Africa
CNG Conversion in Nigeria: A Heavy Burden Amidst Economic Desperation, by Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In Nigeria today, the struggle for survival has become painfully pronounced as citizens face a relentless wave of economic hardships. What used to be considered basic living standards—a balanced diet, secure housing, and quality education for children—now seems like a luxury for many. Yet, amid this reality, the federal government has introduced an initiative encouraging Nigerians to convert their petrol vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a way to ease fuel costs. On the surface, the idea sounds practical; CNG is sold at around 200 Naira (Two hundred Naira) per liter compared to 1,000 Naira (One thousand Naira) for petroleum. However, the conversion costs—exceeding 1,000,000 Naira per (One million Naira) vehicle—make it a distant option for most, especially in the face of other surging costs in food, rent, education, and daily survival.
Economic Inequality and the Political Elite
For government officials, including the president, vice president, governors, legislators, and other high-ranking public servants, this conversion is manageable thanks to substantial salaries, allowances, and benefits. But for the average Nigerian, even civil servants promised a minimum wage of 70,000 Naira (Seventy thousand Naira), the cost is insurmountable. The stark divide between policymakers and citizens highlights a troubling disconnect. While officials can afford the luxury of CNG conversion and benefit from the policy, the majority of Nigerians are struggling to meet even their most basic needs. This initiative, though well-intentioned, risks exacerbating inequalities in a nation where millions are already living on the brink.
The Struggle for Daily Survival
Across Nigeria, families are battling to afford daily meals. A three-meal diet has become a distant memory for many households, with some managing only one meal a day or skipping meals altogether. The prices of staple foods, like rice, yams, and beans, have more than doubled recently, pushing basic nutrition further out of reach. Children across the country are showing visible signs of malnutrition, and the implications are profound. Hungry children can’t learn effectively, putting their education—and the country’s future stability—in jeopardy.
The housing situation adds to the grim picture. Rents have soared, while income levels remain stagnant, forcing families into smaller, often unsafe living spaces. Many parents who once sent their children to private schools for a better education can no longer afford the fees and have had to withdraw them. This generation, with limited educational opportunities and food insecurity, faces an uncertain future.
Social Implications of Economic Desperation
The economic desperation has seeped into every aspect of Nigerian society, creating a wave of social problems. Many housewives, in an attempt to support their families, have resorted to sex work. Others, faced with limited options, have turned to theft, kidnapping, and other illegal activities. This surge in crime is a symptom of a society pushed to the breaking point by hunger and poverty. The desperation is evident among men, too, as previously employed individuals now resort to “corporate begging” at bus stops and public places, an image that underscores the widening economic divide.
A Call for Comprehensive Policy Reforms
To truly address these issues, the government must go beyond promoting CNG conversion. Infrastructure projects, such as the proposed Sokoto-Badagry road and a coastal road from Lagos State to Calabar, need urgent attention. Completing these projects will provide a much-needed alternative for poor citizens unable to afford air travel, where tickets have reached an astonishing 200,000 Naira (Two hundred thousand Naira) from Lagos to Abuja alone. Affordable road travel options could provide critical relief to citizens who otherwise have no affordable way to travel between major regions in the country.
Similarly, Nigeria could take cues from South Africa, where functional train systems facilitate affordable, efficient movement for citizens. Implementing a reliable rail network in Nigeria would provide an accessible travel option for the masses and significantly improve mobility across the country.
Moreover, tackling the housing crisis should be a priority. The federal government should consider building low-cost housing estates for vulnerable populations. Making higher education tuition-free, as it is for primary and secondary schooling, would also be transformative, especially for families already burdened by food and housing costs.
Global Lessons for a Humane Transition
Countries around the world undergoing energy transitions have done so by prioritizing inclusive policies. India, for example, supported its CNG transition with subsidies, low-interest loans, and grants, ensuring that even the lowest-income households could participate. In Brazil and Argentina, similar financial incentives made CNG adoption feasible for everyday citizens. Nigeria must take note of these international examples and recognize that an effective energy policy is one that brings the population along, not one that leaves them behind.
An Urgent Call for Change
For Nigeria’s CNG initiative to be effective, it must be inclusive. Financial support, subsidies, or interest-free loans would make this transition feasible for the average citizen, not just the elite. But beyond CNG, the government must address the broader economic crisis facing the country. Nigeria’s leaders should focus on creating policies that bring food, housing, and education back within reach for all citizens. Affordable food programs, rental subsidies, and investments in social infrastructure could offer immediate relief, while longer-term solutions—such as improving transport infrastructure and building low-cost housing—would address the root causes of hardship.
The Nigerian government must recognize that the strength of a nation lies not just in economic statistics but in the well-being of its citizens. The time for inclusive, empathetic governance is now.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe
The Head of Media and Publicity Secretary Bullion Records, Nigeria
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