By Raliat Adenekan

In a decisive move to shield Nigerians from the volatile global energy market, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across the federation.
This presidential mandate, announced Tuesday at the State House by Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), is a strategic response to the surging prices of petrol and diesel triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He disclosed that the initiative which is set to commence within the next two to three weeks, aims to provide a lower-cost, sustainable alternative for motorists and transporters grappling with the economic fallout of the ongoing international conflicts.

According to the CNG Boss, the kits are designed to allow vehicle owners, including small-scale tricycle operators, to transition their engines from expensive liquid fuels to more affordable gas. By diversifying the nation’s energy mix, the government seeks to reduce the heavy dependence on imported fuels and stabilize the cost of commuting, which has seen a sharp uptick in recent months.
He further stated that beyond the immediate distribution of hardware, the President has also ordered an aggressive expansion of supporting infrastructure, specifically targeting key transportation corridors. The Pi-CNG initiative is fast-tracking the development of refueling stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs, with a particular focus on the Northern Corridor. Currently, 77 refueling facilities are under construction, with operational models already active in Kano.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the Federal Government is also partnering with both local and international manufacturers to stimulate domestic vehicle assembly. This collaboration is expected to go beyond mere conversions, fostering a robust automotive sector that creates jobs and deepens technical expertise within Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Pi-CNG is working in tandem with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to integrate solar-powered charging solutions, ensuring that even off-grid communities can participate in the transition to electric mobility.

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