Abuja: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved expanding the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to include electric vehicles (EVs), signalling a broader push toward cleaner, alternative energy solutions in Nigeria’s transport sector.
The move aligns with global trends in sustainable mobility and positions PiCNG as a dual‑mandate program — advancing the adoption of compressed natural gas while laying the groundwork for EV integration into Nigeria’s energy and transport infrastructure.
The expanded mandate enables PiCNG & EV to coordinate Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, aiming to increase energy efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and lower emissions by adopting both gas- and electric-powered vehicles nationwide.
The initiative will continue to drive the deployment of CNG infrastructure, including Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, and nationwide vehicle conversion programmes.
It will also oversee the rollout of electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and related investments nationwide.
Onanuga noted that gas remains a competitive and strategic fuel for transportation, helping Nigeria reduce transportation costs, boost energy security, and take advantage of the country’s large natural gas reserves that the shift would also help conserve foreign exchange and support a more sustainable transport ecosystem.
According to the presidential spokesperson, the inclusion of EVs reinforces the government’s plan for transport that is more affordable for citizens, efficient for operators, and environmentally friendly, supporting healthier urban environments and better air quality. Also directed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV, Ismaeel Ahmed, to immediately establish a coordinated process for the rapid deployment of vehicle conversion kits nationwide.
The president said the kits must be made accessible to Nigerians at affordable and non-burdensome costs.
To achieve this, the initiative will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and other partners to design cost-effective financing models.
According to Onanuga, the goal is to ensure that vehicle conversions are widely accessible to the public.
Tinubu further directed the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to expand access to CNG infrastructure while permanent facilities are being developed.
The initiative aims to drive Nigeria’s shift to cleaner, sustainable transport.