Tinubu expands compressed natural gas initiative to encompass EVs

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas to undergo a significant transformation, expanding its reach to encompass electric mobility throughout Nigeria.

This revamped initiative, now known as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, will serve as the primary coordinating body for the country's clean mobility strategy, covering both gas-powered and electric vehicles nationwide.

A statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the newly rebranded PiCNG & EV will spearhead and coordinate Nigeria's clean mobility strategy, overseeing the development of gas-driven vehicles and electric vehicles across the nation.

The Initiative will continue to drive the deployment of CNG infrastructure, including the development of Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, CNG vehicles and equipment, as well as nationwide conversion programmes.

Furthermore, it will anchor the development and rollout of electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and related investments nationwide, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the country's transportation landscape.

According to the statement, gas remains a competitive and strategic fuel for transportation, enabling Nigeria to leverage its abundant resources to reduce costs, bolster energy security, and conserve foreign exchange.

The inclusion of electric vehicles in the Initiative's mandate is expected to reinforce the government's commitment to providing affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility options for its citizens.

President Tinubu has instructed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to establish a coordinated process for the rapid deployment of vehicle conversion kits across the country, ensuring that these kits are accessible to Nigerians at a non-prohibitive cost.

To achieve this, the Initiative will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and relevant partners to design cost-effective financing structures that make vehicle conversions widely accessible to the public.

The President has also directed the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units to expand access to CNG while permanent infrastructure continues to scale, as outlined in the statement.