Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of about 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and promote alternative energy.
This was made known by the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, Ismael Ahmed, during a meeting with the President in Abuja.
Ahmed explained that the decision was influenced by the rising cost of petrol and diesel, partly caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to him, the President wants to expand access to cheaper energy alternatives such as CNG.
He said the government plans to deploy the 100,000 conversion kits within the next two to three weeks, allowing vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to convert their engines to run on gas.
Ahmed also disclosed that the government is working to expand CNG refuelling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations across the country, especially along the Northern transport corridor.
Currently, about 77 CNG refilling stations are at different stages of development nationwide. In Kano State, two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations are already operational, while several others are under construction.
The government also plans to establish refuelling points along major routes from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Maiduguri to support the transition to gas-powered vehicles.
Ahmed added that the initiative is collaborating with local and international manufacturers to support vehicle conversion and local assembly of CNG and electric vehicles, which could help create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry.
He further noted that the programme is working with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to introduce solar-powered charging stations, particularly in areas without reliable electricity.
According to him, as more Nigerians begin to import electric vehicles, the government’s priority is to provide the infrastructure needed to support their use across the country.
