Tinubu Expands PiCNG To Include Electric Vehicles Nationwide

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to incorporate electric vehicles (EVs), broadening Nigeria’s push toward cleaner transportation.

Following the approval, the programme will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), with a wider mandate to drive and coordinate the country’s clean mobility strategy.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the initiative will oversee both gas-powered and electric vehicle development across Nigeria.

He explained that while the programme will sustain efforts to expand CNG infrastructure — including Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, and nationwide vehicle conversion schemes — it will also lead the rollout of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and related investments.

Onanuga noted that compressed natural gas remains a strategic and cost-effective fuel option for transportation, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to cut costs, improve energy security, and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.

He added that integrating electric vehicles into the initiative further reinforces the administration’s commitment to affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mobility.

As part of the directive, the President tasked the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV, Ismaeel Ahmed, with establishing a coordinated framework for the rapid distribution of vehicle conversion kits nationwide, ensuring they are accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

To support this, the initiative will partner with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to develop flexible and cost-effective financing options aimed at encouraging widespread adoption.

Tinubu also ordered the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to improve access to CNG infrastructure while permanent facilities are being developed.

The expanded initiative is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.