By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria within the next two to three weeks.
The directive was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, after meeting the President at the State House.
Tinubu issued the order to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians, especially as rising global oil prices, linked to tensions in the Middle East, continue to push petrol and diesel prices upward.
Government Pushes CNG as Cheaper Fuel Alternative
Ahmed said Compressed Natural Gas remains significantly cheaper than petrol, costing about 60–70 percent less than premium motor spirit (PMS) per litre equivalent.
According to him, the federal government wants Nigerians to switch to cleaner and cheaper energy for transportation.
“The President wants results quickly so Nigerians can access CNG and electric mobility,” Ahmed said.
Therefore, the initiative will roll out conversion kits nationwide to enable vehicles and tricycles run on CNG.
Solar-Powered Charging Stations Planned Nationwide
The initiative has also partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations across Nigeria.
Ahmed explained that many Nigerians already import electric vehicles independently.
However, he noted that the government must now provide adequate infrastructure.
“Nigerians are already bringing in electric vehicles. Our responsibility is to provide infrastructure, especially in off-grid areas,” he said.
Northern Corridor to Receive Major CNG Infrastructure
The initiative plans to install several refuelling stations along the northern transport corridor.
The corridor stretches from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano, and extends to Maiduguri.
Ahmed said the government plans to place numerous refuelling units along the corridor to ensure motorists access gas easily.
77 Refilling Stations Under Development
The Pi-CNG chairman revealed that 77 CNG refilling stations are currently under development nationwide.
He noted that Kano State already records strong progress.
“In Kano, we have two LCNG stations and about five or six daughter stations under development,” Ahmed said.
These facilities will expand access to natural gas for transportation.
Local Manufacturing and Job Creation Plans
The initiative also aims to strengthen local manufacturing and job creation.
Ahmed said the programme collaborates with domestic vehicle manufacturers while attracting international companies interested in establishing assembly lines in Nigeria.
“This initiative will create jobs and improve vehicle availability in Nigeria,” he said.
Mass Vehicle Conversion to Begin Soon
Ahmed revealed that conversion centres nationwide will soon begin large-scale vehicle conversions.
The process will include vehicles and tricycles equipped with bi-fuel technology, allowing them to operate on both petrol and CNG.
Consequently, motorists will enjoy lower fuel costs and flexible energy options.
Background of the CNG Initiative
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas was launched by President Tinubu in 2023 following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The programme targets the conversion of one million vehicles to CNG.
It also aims to establish nationwide refilling infrastructure to make the fuel widely accessible.
