The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), has ramped up the distribution of auto gas conversion kits to states across Nigeria. This move aims to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a primary automotive fuel, advancing the government’s push for cleaner and more affordable energy options.
Addressing the media on Friday at the NIPCO-CNG facility in Ogun State, P-CNGi representative Mr. Moses Onate announced that around 10,000 conversion kits are currently being dispatched to key states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo. The initiative follows government interventions designed to ease access to these kits for both private and commercial vehicle owners.
“The kits were loaded from a NIPCO warehouse in Ibafo, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and are being distributed across various states,” said Onate. “This effort is aimed at providing Nigerians with a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol, in line with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, launched under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He emphasized that the widespread distribution of CNG kits would significantly reduce fuel costs for Nigerians, bringing immediate relief, especially to those reliant on transportation for their livelihood. According to Onate, the introduction of CNG as a mainstream fuel aligns with the government’s broader goal of energy diversification.
NIPCO Engineer Nwaodu Austin Chinedu also spoke on the development, confirming that the company’s warehouse is well-stocked, ensuring smooth and consistent distribution nationwide. Chinedu highlighted the partnership between NIPCO and P-CNGi, which has provided the public with greater access to vehicle conversion opportunities.
The government’s ambitious target includes converting one million vehicles by distributing free CNG conversion kits to commercial vehicles involved in transporting people, goods, and food. This is in line with President Tinubu’s directive to ease transportation costs for Nigerians.
In addition, the government has approved CNG for vehicles at a subsidized rate of ₦230 per litre, making it a more cost-effective fuel option.
Earlier, P-CNGi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with conversion workshop owners to convert one million petrol vehicles to CNG by 2027. The official signing ceremony, held in Abuja, featured key partners such as NIPCO Gas, Portland Gas Ltd., Fix It 45, ABG Oil, and the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO of P-CNGi, highlighted the scale of the initiative, aiming for the largest number of vehicle conversions globally. He noted that 2,000 workshops have been identified nationwide, with 123 already selected to commence operations.
Commercial transport unions, including RTEAN, NATO, and NURTW, will begin vehicle conversions at five workshops in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with plans for a nationwide rollout. Ride-sharing operators such as Bolt and Uber will also benefit, with a 50% discount on conversion equipment and free installation, while the government will cover the remaining cost, offering instalment payment options.
This initiative marks a critical step in Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner energy sources and reduced dependence on petrol, offering long-term benefits to both the environment and the economy.
