President Bola Tinubu has approved an expansion of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to include electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a broader push toward cleaner and more affordable transportation.
The programme, previously known as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the revamped initiative will oversee and coordinate Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, integrating both gas-powered and electric transport systems nationwide.
The government said the initiative will continue expanding CNG infrastructure, including refuelling stations, vehicle conversion schemes, and related equipment. At the same time, it will drive the development of electric vehicles, charging stations, and associated investments across the country.
As part of the directive, the President has instructed the leadership of PiCNG & EV to fast-track the nationwide rollout of vehicle conversion kits and ensure they remain affordable for citizens. The programme is also expected to collaborate with financial institutions and partners such as CreditCorp Nigeria to provide accessible financing options for vehicle conversions.
Additionally, the administration plans to deploy more mobile refuelling units to improve access to CNG while permanent infrastructure continues to expand.
The government emphasized that natural gas remains a key strategic fuel for Nigeria due to its abundance and cost advantages, helping reduce reliance on petrol and conserve foreign exchange. The inclusion of electric vehicles further aligns with efforts to promote environmentally sustainable and efficient transportation.
Launched in 2023, the CNG initiative was introduced to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal and encourage the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives. Nigeria, which holds over 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, aims to convert up to one million vehicles to run on CNG under the programme.
