Tinubu expands PiCNG mandate to include electric vehicles
…Initiative now to drive Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy nationwide …As fed govt orders affordable vehicle conversion, faster CNG infrastructure rollout From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved
...Initiative now to drive Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy nationwide
...As fed govt orders affordable vehicle conversion, faster CNG infrastructure rollout
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) mandate to include electric vehicles, a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition to clean and affordable transportation.
With the approval, the initiative will now be known as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), and will serve as the coordinating body for the country’s clean mobility strategy.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the expanded mandate will see the initiative oversee both gas-powered and electric vehicle development, including infrastructure, financing and nationwide adoption.
The initiative will continue its existing drive to deepen the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) through the deployment of critical infrastructure such as Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, CNG-powered vehicles and equipment, as well as nationwide vehicle conversion programmes.
It will also take on new responsibilities for the development and rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), including charging infrastructure and associated investments across the country.
The presidency said the policy shift reflects the administration’s commitment to building an affordable, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation system.
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“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 statement said, adding that the integration of electric vehicles would further reinforce sustainable mobility goals.
As part of the directive, President Tinubu instructed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to immediately establish a coordinated framework for the rapid deployment of vehicle conversion kits nationwide.
The President emphasised that such kits must be made accessible to Nigerians at affordable rates, noting that cost should not be a barrier to adoption.
To support this, the initiative expects to collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to design flexible financing models that will enable wider access to vehicle conversion options.
In addition, the President ordered the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to expand access to CNG, particularly in areas where permanent infrastructure is still being developed.
The expanded PiCNG & EV initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to leverage Nigeria’s abundant gas resources while simultaneously embracing cleaner energy alternatives, positioning the country for a more resilient and sustainable transport future.
