President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to incorporate electric vehicles, rebranding the programme as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).
This strategic move strengthens Nigeria’s clean energy transition by integrating both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric mobility solutions. It aims to deliver more affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation options for Nigerians while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of volatile global oil prices.
The expansion positions PiCNG & EV as the primary coordinating body for the Federal Government’s clean mobility strategy nationwide. It builds on ongoing efforts, including the recent directive to deploy approximately 100,000 CNG vehicle conversion kits across the country, with a focus on commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, and tricycles.
The initiative also features partnerships with local and international manufacturers to support the local assembly of electric vehicles and the development of necessary charging infrastructure.
Special Adviser to the President and Executive Chairman of the initiative, Ismaeel Ahmed, highlighted that the broadened mandate will accelerate infrastructure development for both gas and electric mobility. This includes expanding refuelling stations and charging networks, particularly along key transportation corridors.
Key elements of the expanded initiative include: Nationwide rollout of CNG conversion kits to lower transportation costs for citizens. Promotion of electric vehicle adoption through local assembly partnerships and deployment of electric buses (building on the recent commissioning of 40 electric buses).
Creation of thousands of jobs in manufacturing, conversion, maintenance, and infrastructure sectors. Support for cleaner air quality and reduced carbon emissions in the transport sector.
President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises energy security, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability. By combining CNG which leverages Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources with electric vehicles, the administration is providing flexible pathways to cleaner and more cost-effective mobility that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
The PiCNG & EV initiative has already recorded significant milestones, including over 100,000 vehicle conversions, substantial investments, and the generation of nearly 100,000 jobs. The expanded programme is expected to amplify these impacts and drive broader adoption of alternative fuels and technologies.
The Presidency reaffirms its commitment to working with state governments, private sector partners, and international stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to Nigerian commuters and the economy.