Tinubu Expands CNG Initiative to Incorporate Electric Vehicles for National Clean Transport

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) as part of an effort to redefine the initiative's scope.

In a statement released on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the initiative will now be referred to as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).

The President has instructed Ismael Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV, to initiate a coordinated approach for the swift distribution of vehicle conversion kits nationwide. This will ensure that such kits are available to Nigerians at an affordable price.

To facilitate this initiative, PiCNG & EV will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, banking institutions, and other relevant partners to establish financing options that are economically viable for the populace.

Additionally, the President has mandated a quicker deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to enhance access to CNG, while the construction of permanent infrastructure will continue to develop.

With this endorsement, PiCNG & EV will lead and organize Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, encompassing both gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles throughout the nation.

The initiative is committed to advancing the deployment of CNG infrastructure, which includes Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, CNG vehicles and essential equipment, in addition to nationwide conversion programs.

Moreover, it will oversee the development and launch of electric vehicles, EV charging facilities, and pertinent investments on a national scale.

Natural gas remains a competitive fuel option for transportation, capitalizing on Nigeria’s wealth of resources to decrease costs, bolster energy security, and conserve foreign exchange reserves. The addition of electric vehicles further enhances the government’s commitment to providing affordable, effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions.