By Daniel Edu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to transition locomotives operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) from diesel to more eco-friendly alternatives, namely liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, revealed this strategy, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions.
The decision to explore LNG-CNG technology came after a presentation by the De-Sadel consortium, which proposed this alternative during a joint session with the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC.
Minister Alkali, through the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, expressed confidence that this shift would enhance rail services’ efficiency and affordability, particularly following the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
To kickstart the transition, Alkali has mandated the formation of a seven-member technical committee tasked with assessing the feasibility and benefits of retrofitting NRC’s locomotives with LNG-CNG technology. The committee aims to deliver its recommendations within two weeks.
Alkali emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to establishing an efficient, affordable, and sustainable transportation system, viewing this initiative as a significant step toward reducing transportation costs.
Highlighting the De-Sadel Company’s proposal to retrofit NRC’s locomotives with LNG-CNG kits at no expense to the government, Alkali hailed it as a compelling offer that could substantially cut down transportation expenses.
In alignment with the directive, the technical committee has commenced its work, conducting an assessment visit to NRC’s workshop in Idu, Abuja, to evaluate the retrofitting project’s feasibility. Initial findings indicate the viability of integrating LNG-CNG technology into NRC’s locomotives.
Sam Uko, Managing Director of De-Sadel Consortium, outlined the benefits of adopting LNG-CNG technology, including cost savings and prolonged engine lifespan. Uko disclosed that the consortium has 50 gas-powered locomotives ready for deployment and committed to providing gas for five years to address any concerns about availability.
Moreover, De-Sadel proposed security enhancements across the railway network, including real-time monitoring systems installation to deter vandalism and ensure continuous train operation, thereby bolstering NRC’s revenue.
