President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits within the next two to three weeks as part of efforts to reduce the impact of rising petrol and diesel prices on Nigerians.
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed this on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, after a meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja.
Ahmed explained that the directive followed growing concerns over the global increase in petroleum prices, partly driven by the ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, which have pushed transportation costs higher in Nigeria.
He said the President requested an update on steps being taken by the CNG initiative and electric vehicle programme to expand access to gas across the country.
According to him, Tinubu subsequently gave approval for the mass rollout of conversion kits to accelerate the shift from petrol and diesel to natural gas.
Ahmed said the deployment would be carried out in collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure rapid distribution and vehicle conversions nationwide.
He noted that the conversion kits would enable many vehicles and tricycles to switch to CNG, allowing Nigerians to access a cheaper fuel alternative and reduce transportation expenses.
The Pi-CNG boss added that the deployment process would begin within the next two to three weeks, with conversion centres expected to record a surge in activities as motorists move to convert their vehicles.
Ahmed also disclosed that the initiative includes plans to introduce vehicles and tricycles powered by bi fuel CNG systems and electric mobility technology.
He further revealed that the President directed the initiative to accelerate the development of gas refilling stations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country, with particular focus on the northern transport corridor.
According to him, about 77 refilling stations are currently under development nationwide, while progress has already been recorded in Kano State, where several facilities are being established.
Ahmed said the northern corridor, stretching from Lokoja through Kaduna, Zaria, Kano, and extending to Maiduguri, would be equipped with multiple refuelling units to improve accessibility for motorists.
He emphasised that the President wants rapid implementation so Nigerians can begin benefiting from CNG and electric mobility solutions as soon as possible.
On local production, Ahmed said the initiative is engaging domestic manufacturers while also attracting international companies interested in establishing assembly lines in Nigeria.
He explained that the plan is aimed at boosting job creation and ensuring steady availability of conversion kits and related components.
Ahmed further disclosed that the programme is collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar powered charging stations in different parts of the country.
He added that many Nigerians are already importing electric vehicles independently, noting that the government’s role is to provide adequate infrastructure to support their use, particularly in off grid areas.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas was launched by Tinubu in 2023 to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The programme targets the conversion of one million vehicles to CNG and the expansion of refilling infrastructure across Nigeria to make the alternative fuel widely accessible.
CNG is considered significantly cheaper than petrol, with its litre equivalent estimated to cost between 60 and 70 per cent less than premium motor spirit.
