President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate distribution of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria as part of measures to cushion the rising cost of transportation.
The directive comes amid mounting pressure on fuel prices, which have climbed above N1,000 per litre, largely driven by global oil market instability linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The announcement was made by
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed following a meeting with the president at the State House Abuja.
Ahmed explained that the president is closely monitoring global developments affecting Nigeria’s energy costs and has directed the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) to speed up the rollout of alternative fuel solutions.
According to him, the conversion kits will enable vehicle owners, commercial drivers, and tricycle operators to switch their engines from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas, which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Distribution of the kits is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks.
Beyond vehicle conversions, the federal government is also expanding infrastructure to support gas-powered transportation.
Ahmed revealed that about 77 CNG refuelling stations are currently at different stages of development across the country.
He cited Kano as an early example of the transition, noting that two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations are already operational there, while several additional “daughter stations” are under construction.
Plans are also underway to establish a corridor of refuelling stations along major transport routes stretching from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and up to Maiduguri.
Ahmed added that the Pi-CNG programme is collaborating with both local and international manufacturers to promote vehicle conversion and domestic assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles.
Several companies have reportedly shown interest in establishing assembly operations in Nigeria, a move expected to create jobs and strengthen the country’s automotive sector.
The initiative comes at a time when fluctuations in global oil prices have forced adjustments in domestic fuel prices.
The Dangote Refinery recently increased petrol prices before announcing a slight reduction a day later.
Government officials said expanding the use of CNG will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol, lower transport costs, and improve energy security in the face of global market volatility.
