Tinubu approves expansion of PiCNG mandate to include electric vehicles

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to include electric vehicles, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s clean transportation strategy.

With the approval announced on Thursday, the initiative will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), with responsibility for coordinating both gas-powered and electric mobility programmes across the country.

According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the expanded initiative will continue to drive the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure. This includes the deployment of mother and daughter stations, integrated refuelling units, CNG vehicles, and nationwide vehicle conversion programmes.

The new mandate also empowers the initiative to lead the development of electric vehicle adoption in Nigeria, including the rollout of EV charging infrastructure and investments needed to support the transition.

The presidency said the move reflects the administration’s strategy to promote affordable and environmentally sustainable transport, while also leveraging Nigeria’s gas resources to reduce transport costs, improve energy security, and conserve foreign exchange.

President Tinubu also directed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to immediately coordinate the rapid distribution of vehicle conversion kits nationwide and ensure the costs remain affordable for Nigerians.

As part of efforts to make conversions accessible, the initiative is expected to collaborate with Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, financial institutions, and other partners to develop financing options for vehicle owners.

The President further ordered the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to improve access to CNG as permanent infrastructure continues to expand nationwide.