By Emmanuella Anokam
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles, on Thursday unveiled its 2.0 and electric mobility programmes aimed at expanding nationwide transition to cleaner and more affordable transport energy.
Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pi-CNG and Electric Vehicles (EVs), while unveiling the programme in Abuja, said that the president was eager to see Nigerians enjoy cheaper means of mobility to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
He said that the Pi-CNG 2.0 programme and its electric mobility roadmap was also aimed at showcasing different brands of electric vehicles and tricycles already in use in the country.
Ahmed said that the new operational phase of Pi-CNG and EVs would focus on availability, affordability and acceptability of CNG and EV technologies across the country.
“Our mission remains to build a resilient multi-energy transport ecosystem that lowers costs for Nigerians and positions the country as a continental clean mobility leader.”
According to Ahmed, five Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) and daughter stations will be commissioned in Kano from January 2026 before expansion to Kaduna, Gombe, Maiduguri and Katsina.
He said the initiative which was originally introduced to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, had evolved into a catalyst for a nationwide clean mobility transition.
“The programme has over the past 20 months ignited the gas-to-transport value chain through partnership with industry players, state governments, financiers and automotive manufacturers.
“Our key achievements include the rollout of the Conversion Incentive Programme in 28 states, establishment of more than 58 refueling stations, deployment of thousands of natural gas vehicles, and enlistment of over 300 conversion partners.
“We have attracted two billion dollars investment so far, trained more than 6,000 Nigerians, but a major lesson from the first phase was that sustained offtake depended on reliable gas supply.
“The Initiative subsequently deepened engagement with regulators, producers and midstream operators to secure long-term feedstock and optimise logistics across the virtual pipeline network.
“Pi-CNG and EV also recorded progress in local manufacturing efforts, particularly with plans for an industrial park in Ajaokuta dedicated to producing CNG components to reduce import dependence and promote domestic value creation.
“Other milestones include strengthened gas infrastructure in northern states and a partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expand CNG stations in the region,” Ahmed said.
He also said that Pi-CNG and EV activated a national e-mobility programme designed to deploy electric vehicles (EVs) in collaboration with strategic Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs).
Ahmed announced that the initiative would unveil its full presence in Kano State, in the first quarter of 2026, with President Bola Tinubu expected to inaugurate the Northern Corridor’s CNG network.
“This Initiative is people-centred; the President’s priority is improving the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians, as cheaper transport will directly reduce the cost of goods and services.
“This Initiative will power charging stations with CNG to address concerns about electricity supply because Nigeria has enough sunlight and gas resources to sustain large-scale clean mobility,” Ahmed added.
Earlier at the Electric Vehicle (EV) fair organised as part of the event, Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Gas, commended Pi-CNG for advancing Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.
Ekperikpe who was represented by Mr Abel Igheghe, his Special Assistant, said the EV project and ongoing CNG rollout aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the government’s commitment to energy security, industrial growth and environmental sustainability.
According to him, Nigeria’s mobility future will be shaped by a mix of energy options including CNG, LPG, LNG and electric vehicles.
“Electric Vehicles development will unlock new jobs, attract investments and create opportunities in assembly, battery technology and charging infrastructure.
“The Ministry will continue to support initiatives that promote alternative fuels, deepen gas utilisation, strengthen private-sector innovation and advance the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
“The public’s engagement with new technologies remains crucial to nationwide adoption and I urged stakeholders to ensure that clean mobility solutions remain inclusive and affordable.”
The Minister assured that the newly unveiled electric buses were not for display alone, saying they would be deployed within the week across several states to provide cheaper transportation during the festive season.
“Pi-CNG has made electric mobility a reality. These buses will be on the road immediately, offering Nigerians affordable transport this Christmas,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders including the National Automotive Design and Development Council as well as local and foreign partners showcased their EV brands.
The Federal Road Safety Corps and various road transport unions were also present at the fair. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
