On Sunday in Abuja, the [Federal Government](https://www.gov.ng/) through Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo ordered a rapid expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a low‑cost transport fuel and set a target of deploying one million CNG‑powered vehicles across the country.
Ekpo delivered the directive while receiving progress reports from the [Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles (Pi‑CNG & EV)](https://www.picng-ev.org) and the [Decade of Gas Secretariat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decade_of_Gas). He tasked both bodies with prioritising interventions, attracting greater investment, expanding refuelling infrastructure and strengthening nationwide adoption programmes.
Key facts:
- The Auto CNG policy must translate into tangible savings for commuters, especially through lower transport fares.
- The push follows the recent removal of petrol subsidies, creating urgency for affordable and environmentally friendlier transport options.
- Nigeria’s abundant natural‑gas reserves present an opportunity to cut transport costs, boost domestic gas utilisation and spur economic growth.
- Domestic gas supply has now surpassed two billion cubic feet per day for the first time in the nation’s history.
- President Bola Tinubu’s directive to make transportation cheaper via CNG underpins the entire initiative.
"It is important that we listen to the directive of Mr President to make transportation cheaper via CNG," Ekpo said, adding that the government will continue to provide the necessary backing to see the project to a logical conclusion.
The minister highlighted that sustained investment in refuelling stations, vehicle conversions and related infrastructure is essential to accelerate CNG uptake. He praised the leadership of Pi‑CNG & EV for its progress and reaffirmed continued federal support.
[President Bola Tinubu](https://www.presidency.gov.ng/) has repeatedly urged the adoption of CNG to lower transport costs. Ekpo noted that Nigeria, with over 80 years of gas reserves, is well‑positioned to lead a “Decade of Gas” that will deepen domestic utilisation and open export opportunities.
Ismaeel Ahmed, chairman of Pi‑CNG & EV, said the initiative will attract more investment, expand CNG infrastructure and increase vehicle conversions nationwide, thereby reducing fares for millions of Nigerians.
A joint industry market study by the Decade of Gas Secretariat, according to Ahmed, provides a framework for accelerating implementation, tracking progress and identifying gaps.
Ed Ubong, coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, described CNG as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition and pledged ongoing support to boost domestic gas use and exports for the benefit of both Nigerians and investors.