Petrol is no longer the hustler’s friend. Since subsidy removal, every trip to the pump feels like a punishment. But on the streets of Abuja, some Keke riders have found a new hustle code, gas, not fuel. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is slowly sneaking into their business, promising cheaper runs and fatter pockets.

John Ameh, who plies the Kubwa–Byazhin route, told The Sun he swears by it. “I filled my gas at the station opposite NNPC Junction. It is cheaper compared to petrol, but the queue is something else. The biggest problem is getting money to buy a CNG Keke in the first place because it is expensive,” he said.

For Adamu Usman, who operates from Utako Market to Dakibiu, the conversion has been a breakthrough. He told The Sun: “Using CNG is one of the best things I have achieved since starting this business. I have made triple what I used to make. The only challenge is the shortage of stations. The government should bring down the cost of conversion and create more filling points.”

Clement Eta agreed that the idea works, but worries about accessibility. “CNG is good, but the government and private sector should establish more stations across the country to serve motorists better,” he told The Sun.

While many riders share stories of bigger profits, others remain sceptical. Samuel Agu dismissed it outright, telling The Sun: “I don’t want CNG because it is risky to be using gas inside a vehicle in this our weather.

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If there is an accident, it can easily catch fire.” Another rider, who asked not to be named, added: “Nigerians are only looking at the money, not the safety. I will never enter a CNG vehicle. I even warned my family against it.”

There are also riders who want to make the switch but remain unsure how. “I have heard most of my colleagues say it saves money, but I don’t know the procedure. The government should come down to our level and explain. Some of us even believe it can catch fire when the sun is hot,” said Mohamed Yaru in his chat with The Sun.

Despite the doubts, others like Innocent Ameh insist CNG Keke is the best option on the road. “I like it because you can even carry two passengers in front,” he told The Sun.

Government officials are banking on that optimism. Vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, said the Presidential Initiative on CNG is working to expand operations nationwide. “We have a strategic plan, and with support, these queues will disappear in the next two years.

Currently, CNG is about 85 per cent cheaper than petrol. These queues are a positive indicator that Nigerians have accepted CNG,” he said.

For now, Abuja’s Keke riders are caught between the pain of petrol and the promise of gas, as the future of Nigeria’s transport economy plays out one ride at a time.

Meiza Nigeria