FG launches campaign for cleaner fuels, CNG in Nigeria
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a campaign to promote low-sulphur fuels and compressed natural gas (CNG) as part of its commitment to tackling air pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, during the inauguration of an Inter-Agency Committee on Fuels in Abuja.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for cleaner fuels, citing the severe health and environmental risks posed by high-sulphur petroleum products.
“High-sulphur fuels have been linked to increasing cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases,” he said, adding that transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as CNG would not only improve public health but also reduce Nigeria’s contribution to climate change.
The Minister provided an overview of Nigeria’s revised industrial standards for fuel sulphur content, which were updated in 2016 with a transition plan spanning 2017–2019. The revised standards include:
Diesel: Reduced from 300 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm
Petrol: Reduced from 1,500 ppm to 150 ppm
Kerosene: Reduced from 1,500 ppm to 150 ppm
He stressed the importance of compliance with these standards, highlighting the adverse effects of high-sulphur fuel usage, such as worsening air quality and extreme weather conditions.
The newly inaugurated Inter-Agency Committee has been tasked with several responsibilities, including:
Creating a Pollution Monitoring Team
Providing quality reports on fuel usage
Developing actionable plans to support Nigeria’s climate, health, and developmental goals
Additionally, the committee is expected to submit annual reports with recommendations to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
During the event, Mrs. Bolorunduro B., Acting Permanent Secretary and Director of Environmental Assessment, urged committee members to bring their expertise to bear in achieving the outlined objectives.
Mrs. Bahijjatu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, also expressed gratitude to the committee members for their dedication to ensuring clean air and a healthier environment.
