President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to incorporate electric vehicles, signaling a shift towards a broader clean energy transport strategy.
Gatekeepers News reports that the updated programme will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), with responsibility for coordinating both gas-powered and electric mobility systems across Nigeria.
The presidency said the initiative will continue to promote the rollout of CNG infrastructure, including refuelling stations, vehicle conversion programmes, and supporting equipment. At the same time, it will now oversee the development and deployment of electric vehicles, along with charging infrastructure nationwide.
Officials noted that the inclusion of electric vehicles is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more cost-effective transportation. The government believes combining gas-powered and electric options will help reduce transport costs, improve energy security, and cut dependence on foreign exchange for fuel imports.
The president also directed the rapid rollout of vehicle conversion kits across the country, with an emphasis on making them affordable to Nigerians. To achieve this, the initiative is expected to collaborate with financial institutions and partners to create accessible financing options for vehicle owners.
In addition, the administration has ordered the expansion of mobile refuelling units to improve access to CNG while permanent infrastructure continues to develop nationwide.
The move represents a major step in the government’s broader plan to promote sustainable mobility, combining Nigeria’s abundant gas resources with emerging electric vehicle technology to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly transport system.
