President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to include electric vehicles, in a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

With the new directive, the initiative will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), with an expanded mandate to lead and coordinate the country’s clean mobility strategy.

The revamped initiative will oversee the nationwide deployment of both gas-powered and electric vehicle infrastructure, positioning Nigeria for a more diversified and energy-efficient transport system.

Under the expanded scope, PiCNG & EV will continue to drive the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, including mother and daughter stations, integrated refuelling units, CNG vehicles and equipment, as well as large-scale vehicle conversion programmes.

In addition, it will now spearhead the development and deployment of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and related investments across the country.

The Federal Government said gas remains a strategic and cost-effective fuel option for transportation, given Nigeria’s abundant reserves, with the potential to reduce fuel costs, enhance energy security and conserve foreign exchange.

It added that the inclusion of electric vehicles complements ongoing efforts to deliver an affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable mobility system.

To fast-track implementation, President Tinubu has directed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to immediately establish a coordinated framework for the rapid nationwide deployment of vehicle conversion kits.

He emphasised that the kits must be made available to Nigerians at affordable rates.

To support this objective, the initiative will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, financial institutions and other partners to develop flexible and cost-effective financing options that will enable wider access to vehicle conversion.

The President also approved the accelerated deployment of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to improve access to CNG, particularly in underserved areas, while permanent infrastructure continues to expand nationwide.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, explained that the move underscores the administration’s broader commitment to reducing reliance on conventional fuels and promoting cleaner energy alternatives in Nigeria’s transport sector.