Tinubu Orders Distribution of 100,000 CNG Kits to Cushion Petrol Price Hike

Tinubu Orders Distribution of 100,000 CNG Kits to Cushion Petrol Price Hike

Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of about 100,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria as part of measures to ease the burden of rising petrol prices on citizens.

The directive was disclosed on Tuesday 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.

Ahmed said the intervention is aimed at helping Nigerians cope with escalating transportation costs, which have been worsened by global oil market volatility linked to the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to him, the federal government plans to deploy the conversion kits within the next two to three weeks, enabling vehicle owners; including commercial tricycle operators to switch from petrol-powered engines to compressed natural gas.

“The president wanted to know what we are doing to scale up the availability of gas and CNG nationwide so that Nigerians can enjoy lower transportation costs,” Ahmed said.

The move comes amid rising fuel prices across several states. A recent market survey indicated that the pump price of petrol climbed beyond N1,000 per litre on March 7, with increases recorded in cities such as Lagos, Abeokuta and Kaduna.

The development has pushed up transport fares nationwide, with commuters in many areas reporting that fares on some routes have doubled.

Ahmed noted that beyond the distribution of the conversion kits, the president has also ordered an accelerated expansion of infrastructure for both CNG refuelling and electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

He said priority is being given to major transport corridors in the northern region.

According to him, the government is already working to establish a chain of refuelling points along key routes stretching from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano to Maiduguri.

Ahmed further revealed that 77 CNG refuelling stations are currently under development nationwide.

“In Kano, two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas stations are already operational, while several daughter stations are under construction,” he said.

The Pi-CNG chairman also disclosed that the initiative is collaborating with both local and international vehicle manufacturers to support engine conversion and encourage the local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles.

According to him, a number of manufacturers have already expressed interest in setting up assembly plants in Nigeria, a move expected to create jobs and boost the country’s automotive sector.

Ahmed added that the initiative is working with the Rural Electrification Agency to establish solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles, particularly in off-grid communities.

He said the government is keen to ensure adequate infrastructure to support the growing adoption of alternative energy vehicles.

The Pi-CNG boss noted that the president expects the programme to deliver quick results in providing Nigerians with cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.