Tinubu Orders Deployment Of 100,000 CNG Conversion Kits Nationwide
- 60 minutes ago
- 2 min read
President Bola Tinubu has approved the nationwide rollout of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on Nigerians.
The directive was announced by the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, after a meeting with the president at the State House in Abuja.
Ahmed explained that the initiative is part of the government’s response to the surge in petrol prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to him, the president is closely monitoring global developments and their effects on Nigeria’s energy costs and transportation sector.
He stated that the conversion kits will allow vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to switch their engines from petrol to CNG. Deployment of the kits is expected to begin within two to three weeks.
The Pi-CNG programme is also expanding supporting infrastructure, including the development of refuelling stations and facilities for gas-powered and electric vehicles across the country. Ahmed disclosed that about 77 CNG refilling stations are currently being developed nationwide.
He noted that some infrastructure projects are already operational, citing the presence of Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas stations in Kano, while additional smaller stations are under construction.
Plans are also underway to establish a network of refuelling points along major transport corridors linking Lokoja, Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Maiduguri to support long-distance travel using gas-powered vehicles.
Ahmed further revealed that the government is working with both local and international manufacturers to encourage the local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles. Several companies have reportedly expressed interest in establishing production facilities in Nigeria, a move expected to create jobs and strengthen the automotive sector.
The initiative comes amid sharp increases in petrol prices, which recently crossed the ₦1,000-per-litre mark following global market disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
In recent days, petrol prices have fluctuated significantly. The Dangote Refinery had raised its price to ₦1,175 per litre earlier in the week before announcing a subsequent reduction.
Comments