Nigeria possesses substantial natural gas resources, yet its transport system remains heavily exposed to the cost and supply instability associated with conventional petroleum fuels. This study assesses the availability and accessibility of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities in Kogi State, with particular attention to the socioeconomic gains and adoption constraints experienced by commercial transport operators in Kogi Central Senatorial District. The study adopted a descriptive mixed-method design. Quantitative data were obtained from 110 commercial transport operators through total enumeration, while 10 key informants were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while interview evidence was thematically analyzed. The findings indicate that CNG adoption is associated with substantial perceived socioeconomic gains. Respondents strongly agreed that switching to CNG reduces fuel expenditure (mean, M = 1.33; standard deviation, SD = 0.53), improves business planning (M = 1.65, SD = 0.57), provides environmental advantages (M = 1.56, SD = 0.55), and creates employment opportunities (M = 1.69, SD = 0.48). At the same time, adoption is constrained by high vehicle-conversion costs (M = 1.15, SD = 0.38), concerns about cylinder safety and maintenance (M = 1.46, SD = 0.52), irregular CNG supply (M = 1.55, SD = 0.82), and inadequate information on safe operation (M = 2.33, SD = 0.85). The study concludes that the economic case for CNG is strong, but infrastructure, financing, technical capacity, safety assurance, and public awareness must develop alongside the expansion of demand. The paper contributes location-specific evidence to Nigeria's sustainable-energy-transition literature and argues for coordinated public–private investment in refueling and conversion infrastructure, targeted conversion finance, technician certification, reliable gas supply, and enhanced regulatory oversight.

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