President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of about 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria as part of urgent measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
The directive by Tinubu was disclosed by Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), after a meeting with the president at the State House in Abuja.
Ahmed said the president is closely monitoring global developments and their ripple effects on Nigeria’s energy costs, particularly the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices and transportation.
According to him, Tinubu has instructed the Pi-CNG initiative to fast-track the nationwide rollout of gas-powered mobility infrastructure and alternative transport solutions.
Ahmed explained that the conversion kits would enable vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to switch their engines from petrol to compressed natural gas, a cheaper and cleaner alternative.
He disclosed that the nationwide deployment of the kits is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks.
Expanding gas infrastructure
Beyond vehicle conversions, Ahmed said the federal government is also working to establish a nationwide network of refuelling stations and charging facilities to support the transition to gas-powered and electric vehicles.
According to him, about 77 CNG refilling stations are currently at various stages of development across the country.
He cited Kano as an example, noting that two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations are already operational in the city, while additional “daughter stations” are under construction.
The government also plans to develop a chain of refuelling points along major transport corridors linking Lokoja, Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Maiduguri.
Ahmed further revealed that the Pi-CNG initiative is collaborating with both local and international manufacturers to support vehicle conversion programmes and encourage the local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles.
He said several manufacturers have already expressed interest in establishing assembly lines in Nigeria, a development expected to boost job creation and strengthen the country’s automotive industry.
The government’s move comes amid sharp increases in petrol prices in Nigeria following escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
On Monday, Dangote Refinery raised the pump price of petrol to ₦1,175 per litre, up from ₦995 per litre on March 7 and ₦874 per litre on March 2.
However, the refinery adjusted the price downward on Tuesday, offering a slight reprieve to consumers grappling with the rising cost of fuel.
