President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), widening its scope to include electric vehicles as part of Nigeria’s evolving clean transportation strategy.
With the new directive, the initiative will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), taking on the responsibility of coordinating both gas-powered and electric mobility solutions nationwide.
The move signals the Federal Government’s push to diversify energy sources in the transport sector while promoting affordability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
According to a State House statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the initiative will continue to drive the rollout of CNG infrastructure, including refuelling stations, conversion programmes, and equipment, while also leading the development of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure across the country.
“Gas remains a competitive and strategic fuel for transportation, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant resources to lower costs, strengthen energy security, and conserve foreign exchange.”
“The inclusion of electric vehicles further strengthens the government’s agenda for affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility.”
President Tinubu also directed the leadership of PiCNG & EV to fast-track the nationwide deployment of vehicle conversion kits and ensure they are affordable for Nigerians.
To support this, the initiative is expected to collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria and other financial institutions to create flexible financing options for vehicle conversions.
Additionally, the President ordered the accelerated rollout of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to improve access to CNG as permanent infrastructure continues to expand across the country.