- President Keenly Monitoring Global Developments And Their Impact On Nigeria’s Energy Costs- Pi-CNG Chair
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of soaring transportation costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed the directive after a meeting with the president at the State House, Abuja.
He explained that Tinubu is closely monitoring global developments, particularly how the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has driven fuel prices in Nigeria above ₦1,000 per litre.
According to Ahmed, the president has mandated Pi-CNG to fast-track the rollout of CNG infrastructure and alternative mobility solutions nationwide. The conversion kits, he said, will allow vehicle owners and tricycle operators to switch from petrol to gas-powered engines, with deployment expected to begin within two to three weeks.
Ahmed further revealed that the government is building a network of refuelling and charging stations to support the transition to CNG and electric vehicles. About 77 CNG refilling stations are currently at different stages of development nationwide, with two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations already operational in Kano. Several “daughter stations” are also under construction.
He added that the government plans to establish a chain of refuelling points along major transport corridors stretching from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano up to Maiduguri.
The Pi-CNG initiative is also partnering with local and international manufacturers to support vehicle conversion and establish assembly lines for CNG-powered and electric vehicles in Nigeria.
Ahmed noted that several companies have already expressed interest, a move expected to boost job creation and strengthen the local automotive industry.
With fuel prices surging due to global tensions, the administration hopes the accelerated rollout of CNG kits and infrastructure will provide Nigerians with affordable alternatives and ease the burden on commuters.
