Tinubu Broadens CNG Programme to Cover Electric Vehicles Nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to now include electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the federal government’s push for cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable transportation.
This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the initiative will now operate under a new name — Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).
New Focus on Clean Mobility
Under its expanded responsibilities, PiCNG & EV will now serve as the lead agency coordinating Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, with a focus on both gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles across the country.
The presidency said the programme will continue to drive the deployment of critical CNG infrastructure, including:
Mother and Daughter Stations
Integrated Refuelling Units
CNG-powered vehicles and equipment
Nationwide vehicle conversion programmes
In addition, the initiative will now oversee the development and rollout of electric vehicles, as well as EV charging infrastructure and other related investments nationwide.
Why Tinubu Expanded the Programme
The federal government said natural gas remains a strategic and cost-effective transport fuel for Nigeria, especially because the country has abundant gas reserves that can help reduce transportation costs, improve energy security, and save foreign exchange.
At the same time, the inclusion of electric vehicles is expected to further support the government’s broader objective of promoting affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
Tinubu Orders Affordable Conversion Kits for Nigerians
As part of the expansion, President Tinubu has directed the Executive Chairman of the Initiative to create a coordinated framework for the rapid distribution of vehicle conversion kits across Nigeria.
The presidency stressed that these kits must be made available to Nigerians at affordable rates.
To make this possible, the initiative is expected to work closely with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to develop flexible and cost-effective financing options for motorists who want to convert their vehicles to CNG.
More Mobile Refuelling Units Coming
The statement also revealed that President Tinubu has ordered the faster deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) across the country.
This move is aimed at improving access to CNG refuelling services while the government continues to scale up permanent infrastructure nationwide.
What This Means for Nigerians
The expansion of the programme signals a stronger federal commitment to reducing the high cost of transportation and encouraging the use of alternative energy vehicles in Nigeria.
If fully implemented, the initiative could help:
Lower transport expenses for drivers and commuters
Reduce dependence on petrol and diesel
Encourage investment in clean transport technology
Support Nigeria’s long-term environmental and energy goals