President Bola Tinubu has approved an expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas to now include electric vehicles, as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s transport and energy strategy.
With the update, the programme will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), taking on a broader role in driving clean mobility across the country.
According to a statement from the presidency, the initiative will oversee both gas-powered and electric vehicle development nationwide. It will continue to push the rollout of CNG infrastructure, including refuelling stations, vehicle conversion centres, and necessary equipment, while also introducing electric vehicle systems and charging infrastructure.
The government says the move is aimed at making transportation more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
President Tinubu has also directed the immediate rollout of a coordinated system to make vehicle conversion kits widely available and affordable for Nigerians. To support this, the initiative will work with financial institutions and partners to create flexible financing options for vehicle owners.
In addition, the deployment of mobile refuelling units has been prioritised to improve access to CNG while permanent stations are still being developed.
Officials say Nigeria’s large natural gas reserves make CNG a practical and cost-effective alternative to petrol, especially as the country looks to reduce fuel costs and dependence on imports. The inclusion of electric vehicles is expected to further strengthen the shift toward cleaner energy and modern transportation.
The initiative, originally launched in 2023 following the removal of petrol subsidies, remains a key part of the government’s plan to ease transport costs and promote sustainable energy solutions.
