The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the nationwide distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits to facilitate the transition of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to CNG usage.
This move is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote cleaner and more affordable fuel alternatives for vehicle owners across the country.
The Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), Micheal Oluwagbemi, made this announcement during an inspection tour of six CNG conversion centres in Abuja.
The inspection included NIPCO Oil and Gas Station on Airport Road, Kia Motors in Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi, ABG CNG in Kubwa, Bovas Filling Station in Wuse Zone 5, and C&L Mart Energy Solutions Ltd in Lokogoma.
Mr. Oluwagbemi emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing Nigerians with a cheaper and cleaner vehicle fueling alternative.
“The President has assured us that we are making one million conversion kits available for free to the commercial sector or at reasonable discounts for private vehicle owners,” he stated.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs across Nigeria in the coming years.
Mr. Oluwagbemi acknowledged the logistical challenges involved, noting that installing the kits safely and reliably is a complex task.
To support the implementation, the government has signed agreements with over 75 conversion partners across eight states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, FCT, and Kaduna.
“These eight states are where the conversion incentive programme has already begun. In the next six to eight weeks, nine additional states—Kwara, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Kano, and Niger—will also be included,” Oluwagbemi disclosed.
The programme is being carried out in collaboration with state governors and private sector stakeholders to ensure the availability of conversion kits to beneficiaries.
Oluwagbemi further highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage local manufacturing of the conversion kits. Although the kits are currently imported, plans are underway to enable local production, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel, which he said has contributed to the country’s economic struggles.
Omolara Obileye, Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy for the initiative, reiterated the programme’s goal of reducing the country’s reliance on petrol. She explained that while commercial transporters would receive the conversions at no cost, private vehicle owners would be required to pay a fraction of the cost, depending on the size and type of their vehicle.
“We currently have over 12 conversion centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and plan to increase this number as the programme expands,” Obileye added.
Representatives of the conversion centres commended the Federal Government for the initiative, expressing optimism that it would alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians and promote a cleaner environment.