President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), aimed at reducing energy costs for Nigerians. The initiative, designed to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, will focus on enabling over 11,500 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-enabled vehicles and providing 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing gasoline-dependent vehicles.
The initiative’s adoption strategy includes establishing workshops across the nation, local assembly, and job creation, with an initial emphasis on mass transit systems and student hubs. The goal is to significantly decrease transit costs for the public in the short term.
The PCNGI will facilitate workshops in all geopolitical zones and states, offering essential kits and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, promoting technical skill development and job opportunities for Nigerians. The initiative aims to create a nationwide network of workshops to ensure widespread access and utilization of CNG technology.
Strategic objectives of the PCNGI include developing stakeholder-operated Intrastate Mass Transit systems built on CNG, supporting states in adopting new CNG buses for their Intrastate Mass Transit network, deploying CNG buses through existing Private Mass Transit operators, and incentivizing investment in CNG processing, distribution, and utilization.
President Tinubu’s focus on assembling CNG-enabled vehicles within Nigeria is expected to boost economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities. The initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to a cleaner environment, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting energy security through domestic natural gas resources.
