(CNG) conversion kits nationwide as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians. The move aims to cushion the effect of rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The directive was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, after a meeting with the President in Abuja.
Ahmed said the President is closely monitoring global developments affecting energy prices and their impact on Nigeria, particularly the effect of the Middle East conflict on petrol and diesel costs.
According to him, the government is accelerating the rollout of alternative fuel options to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel for transportation.
He stated: “The President, as usual, is always trying to get information on what is going on, especially with the war in the Middle East and the rising cost of petrol and diesel.”
Ahmed added that the President asked what steps were being taken to expand the availability of CNG and electric vehicle infrastructure across the country.
The Pi-CNG chairman said about 100,000 CNG conversion kits would be deployed across Nigeria within the next few weeks.
The kits will enable vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to convert petrol-powered engines to run on gas.
Ahmed said the initiative would involve collaboration with several stakeholders to ensure the kits are distributed and installed through authorised conversion centres.
He noted that conversion centres across the country are expected to increase activities once the deployment begins.
The government is also accelerating the development of infrastructure for CNG refuelling and electric vehicle charging.
Ahmed said the President directed that the infrastructure expansion should prioritise major transportation corridors, especially in the northern region of the country.
He disclosed that about 77 CNG refuelling stations are currently at different stages of development nationwide.
According to him, two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas stations are already operational in Kano, while several additional stations are under construction.
The planned network of refuelling stations is expected to cover key transport routes from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria to Kano and Maiduguri.
Ahmed also said the initiative is working with local and international manufacturers to support the conversion of vehicles and the assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles in Nigeria.
He added that some manufacturers have indicated interest in establishing assembly plants in the country, which could support local production and employment.
The Pi-CNG programme is also collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar-powered charging stations to support electric mobility, particularly in off-grid areas.
