Nigeria: Tinubu moves to cushion fuel crisis impact on Nigerian commuters

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria to mitigate the impact of the escalating Middle East conflict on fuel prices and transportation costs. The move aims to reduce transportation costs and expand alternative energy options.

Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), disclosed the directive, stating that Tinubu is keenly monitoring global developments and their impact on Nigeria’s energy costs. The conversion kits will enable vehicle owners, including tricycle operators, to switch to gas-powered engines.

The initiative will also fast-track CNG refuelling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure development nationwide, focusing on key transportation corridors, particularly in northern Nigeria. About 77 CNG refilling stations are currently under development, with several “daughter stations” being built in Kano.

The government plans to establish refuelling points along major transport routes and collaborate with local and international manufacturers to support vehicle conversion and local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles. The Pi-CNG programme is also working with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar-powered charging stations for electric mobility in off-grid locations.

The move is expected to boost job creation, strengthen the local automotive industry, and provide Nigerians with cheaper and more sustainable transport alternatives.