The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, representing the Federal Government, has started a plan to switch Nigerian Railway Corporation trains from diesel to liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas. This move aims to lead the corporation towards sustainable energy sources and decrease operating costs.
This information was shared in a statement released by the ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, on Thursday.
Alkali was reported to have repeated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to offer Nigerians efficient, affordable, and sustainable transportation, especially after the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the De-Sadel consortium introduced the LNG-CNG alternative for joint discussion by the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC at the Ministry’s headquarters.
Alkali expressed confidence that this switch could result in more effective, efficient, and potentially cheaper rail services for Nigerians, especially following the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
To speed up the process, Alkali instructed the immediate formation of a seven-member technical committee responsible for assessing the feasibility and potential results of fitting NRC’s trains with LNG-CNG technology.
The committee was given a timeframe of seven to 14 days to provide recommendations.
“Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to provide an efficient, affordable, and sustainable transportation system for the people of this great country, and I believe this will significantly reduce transportation costs,” stated Alkali.
He found the proposal by De-Sadel Company to equip NRC’s trains with their existing LNG-CNG kits at zero cost to the government and to provide replacements in case of damage to be reasonable.
Alkali, keen to proceed with fitting an NRC train through the De-Sadel consortium, instructed the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, to assemble a combined team of mechanical engineers from the Transportation Ministry, NRC, and De-Sadel Consortium.
He stressed the gradual shift from diesel to gas usage, starting with a 50-50 ratio and progressing to 30-70 and ultimately 0-100.
“A committee will be set up immediately after this interactive session, and they are to commence deliberations and discussions at the Ministry’s headquarters. They are to advise and possibly have a gas-powered train ready for test run within the very short possible time,” the minister directed.
Following the directive, the technical committee promptly carried out assessments and then visited NRC’s workshop in Idu, Abuja, on March 13, 2024.
The committee’s findings confirmed the possibility of equipping NRC’s trains with LNG-CNG technology.
Managing Director of De-Sadel Consortium, Sam Uko, highlighted the advantages of adopting LNG-CNG technology, such as cost reduction and extended engine lifespan.
Uko revealed that the Consortium already has 50 gas-powered trains installed and ready for use, with a commitment to supply gas for 5 years to address concerns about gas shortage.
Uko explained that the approach to fitting a dual-fuel locomotive with retrofitting should not be seen as a conversion or modification of the engines.
In addition to upgrading NRC's locomotives, De-Sadel Consortium also suggested installing security systems along the rail routes in the country, including a real-time monitoring system for the train cars and the tracks to deter vandals and attacks.
He said that the technology would provide greater security for the rail services, enabling the trains to run 24/7, thereby increasing NRC's turnover from gas usage and security.
Additionally, the De-Sadel Consortium proposed adding more security installations along the rail routes to improve safety and prevent vandalism.
Uko stressed that real-time monitoring systems would deter attacks, allowing trains to operate round the clock and consequently boosting NRC's revenue from gas usage.
