FG Rolls Out 10,000 CNG Kits for Cheaper, Cleaner Transport Fuel

The Nigerian government has begun distributing 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kits across the country, as part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi). This is the first step towards a larger target of distributing one million kits by 2027.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier mandated the provision of one million free CNG conversion kits for commercial vehicles, which will allow them to switch to CNG fuel priced at N230 per litre. This initiative is expected to benefit vehicles transporting people, food, and goods.

The rollout started in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, and Abuja, in collaboration with key industry partners such as NIPCO, Autogig, Dana Motors, and Portland Gas Limited.

Omoh Imokhuede, the PCNGi’s Commercial Operations Manager, said during a facility tour in Lagos that 1,000 kits were being deployed immediately, with more to follow in the coming weeks. He emphasized that the initiative is designed not just to promote CNG conversion, but to ensure its widespread adoption.

The PCNGi aims to offer a cheaper, cleaner alternative to petrol, which currently costs over N900 per litre. This move aligns with the government’s energy diversification goals and is expected to bring much-needed relief to Nigerians, particularly those in the transport sector.

Kayode Opeifa, Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable Mobility and Access Development, highlighted that energy diversification in transportation is crucial for poverty reduction. He urged commercial transport operators to convert their vehicles to CNG to access more affordable fuel.

Supporting the initiative, Tope Bukola-Ojo, Managing Director of AutoGIG International, reaffirmed the partnership’s commitment to helping Nigeria achieve its energy security goals. He added that the adoption of CNG would not only mitigate the rising cost of petrol but also contribute to a greener environment.