President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of vehicle conversion kits across the country, as part of efforts to ease energy costs for Nigerians and speed up the transition to cleaner, cheaper transportation alternatives.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President instructed the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) to put in place a coordinated national framework for the rapid rollout of the kits at prices that “are not burdensome to Nigerians.”
To support the initiative, the President ordered that Pi-CNG & EV work closely with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and relevant partners to develop affordable financing options that will enable vehicle owners, transport operators, and small businesses to convert their engines without difficulty.
Mr Tinubu also directed the fast-tracked deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs), which will provide immediate access to compressed natural gas in areas where permanent fuelling infrastructure is yet to be constructed.
Economic Relief and Energy Security
The initiative, according to the statement, is central to the administration’s broader plan to reduce transportation costs and promote cleaner energy use nationwide. The accelerated rollout of conversion kits and MRUs is expected to serve as both short-term relief for citizens and a long-term strategy to address Nigeria’s energy and transportation gaps.
The Presidency noted that financial backing from partnering institutions will ensure that “the burden of transition is eased” for Nigerians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on mobility.
Expanded Mandate for Pi-CNG
In a significant policy shift, President Tinubu has also approved the expansion of the mandate of the former Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG). The body, now renamed the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), will drive Nigeria’s nationwide transition to both gas-powered and electric mobility.
Under its broadened portfolio, PiCNG & EV will supervise the rollout of CNG infrastructure including mother and daughter stations, integrated refuelling units, conversion centres, and CNG-compatible vehicles. It will also anchor the development of electric vehicles, charging systems, and associated investments across the country.
The Presidency emphasised that gas remains a strategic and cost-effective fuel for transportation, given Nigeria’s vast reserves, while the addition of electric vehicles strengthens “the government’s agenda for affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility.”
