Politics

Tinubu Expands CNG Initiative to Electric Vehicles in Push for Clean Mobility

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 27th, 2026.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to now include electric vehicles, rebranding it as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV). The move aims to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable transportation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday. “With this approval, PiCNG & EV will lead and coordinate Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, covering gas-driven vehicles and electric vehicles nationwide,” the statement read.

The initiative will continue its work in deploying CNG infrastructure, including Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, CNG vehicles, and nationwide conversion programmes. The Nation reports that the expansion will also see the rollout of electric vehicles, EV charging stations, and related investments across the country, reinforcing the government’s focus on sustainable transport solutions.

President Tinubu has directed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to establish a coordinated process for the rapid deployment of vehicle conversion kits. The kits will be made accessible at affordable costs, with partnerships planned with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to develop cost-effective financing options.

In addition, the initiative will accelerate the deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units to complement permanent CNG infrastructure. Gas remains a strategic fuel for transportation in Nigeria, leveraging the country’s abundant reserves of over 200 trillion cubic feet to lower fuel costs, strengthen energy security, and conserve foreign exchange.

Launched in 2023, the Presidential CNG Initiative has been central to government efforts to provide alternatives to petrol following subsidy reforms. According to Vanguard, the programme has deployed numerous CNG conversion centers and refuelling stations nationwide, with the target of converting one million vehicles to run on compressed natural gas.

By integrating electric vehicles into PiCNG & EV, the government is positioning Nigeria to embrace cleaner, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility, while broadening access to energy-efficient transportation solutions for citizens across the country.