President Tinubu Mandates Rapid Deployment of 100,000 CNG Kits to Counter Fuel Price Hikes
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the immediate rollout of about 100,000 compressed natural gas conversion kits across Nigeria. This urgent measure aims to cushion the impact of escalating fuel prices on citizens, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Presidential Directive Unveiled After State House Meeting
The executive chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, Ismaeel Ahmed, revealed this development following a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, March 10. Ahmed emphasized that the President's order is part of a broader federal government strategy to reduce transportation expenses and promote alternative energy adoption. This initiative responds to global oil market instability triggered by the United States–Israel war with Iran.
"The President, as usual, is always trying to get information on what is going on, especially with the war in the Middle East and the rising cost of petrol and diesel," Ahmed stated. "He wanted to know what we are doing at Pi-CNG and EV to scale up the availability of gas and CNG everywhere in the country so that people would have less cost of transportation."
Accelerated Kit Deployment and Infrastructure Expansion
Ahmed confirmed that the 100,000 conversion kits will be deployed within the next two to three weeks. These kits will enable vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to convert their engines to run on gas. "So we have about 100,000 kits that we’re going to deploy in the next two to three weeks. The conversion centres will all be bustling with a lot of activities," he added.
In addition to the kit rollout, President Tinubu has ordered an accelerated expansion of CNG refuelling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide. Priority is being given to key transport corridors in the northern region. "We must be able to fast-track the infrastructure in bringing gas, CNG and electric mobility charging infrastructure to every part of the country, especially within the Northern Corridor," Ahmed explained.
Strategic Infrastructure Development and Partnerships
Ahmed disclosed that a network of 77 CNG refuelling stations is currently under development across Nigeria. In Kano, two liquefied compressed natural gas stations are already operational, with several "daughter stations" under construction. The government plans to establish a chain of refuelling points along major transport routes from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano to Maiduguri. "These are all places that we are going to litter with a lot of refuelling units," Ahmed stated.
The Pi-CNG initiative is collaborating with both local and foreign manufacturers to enhance vehicle conversion processes and promote local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles. Several manufacturers have expressed willingness to set up assembly plants in Nigeria, a move expected to generate employment and strengthen the domestic automotive sector.
Integration of Renewable Energy and Off-Grid Solutions
Ahmed also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency to build solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations in off-grid areas. "People are already bringing in their electric vehicles regardless. What we have to do now is to ensure that there is enough infrastructure for them to work with, especially off-grid," he explained.
President Tinubu expects the initiative to deliver rapid results, making cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable transport options accessible to Nigerians. This comprehensive approach addresses immediate fuel price concerns while laying groundwork for long-term energy diversification and economic resilience.
