President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to distribute 100,000 vehicle conversion kits across Nigeria. This significant move is intended to alleviate the financial strain on citizens caused by escalating petrol prices and to expand the availability of more affordable fuel alternatives for transportation.

The announcement was made by Ismael Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of PiCNG, following a private meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Ahmed confirmed that President Tinubu sought an update on the progress of the CNG programme and the strategies being implemented to counter the effects of rising global petroleum prices, particularly in light of increased tensions in the Middle East.

President Tinubu's intensified focus on promoting CNG adoption underscores the government's commitment to reducing reliance on petrol and championing gas as a more economical and environmentally friendly energy source for vehicles throughout the nation. The directive from the President requires the PiCNG to expedite the nationwide distribution of conversion kits, empowering vehicle owners to transition their engines from petrol to compressed natural gas. Ahmed clarified that these kits will enable owners of cars and tricycles alike to convert their existing engines for CNG usage.

Preparations for the conversion programme are advanced, with designated centres across the country being readied for the rollout, which is expected to commence shortly. The PiCNG is also actively working to bolster the infrastructure necessary to support this transition to gas-powered transportation. Kano, for instance, already boasts two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas stations, with additional daughter stations currently under development.

In parallel, the government is collaborating with both domestic and international manufacturers to foster the assembly of electric vehicles within Nigeria. Furthermore, the initiative is partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar-powered charging stations in communities that are currently off-grid.

The Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG) was initially launched in 2023 as a cornerstone of Nigeria's energy transition strategy, following the government's decision to remove petrol subsidies. This development comes at a time when the cost of petrol continues to be a significant concern for Nigerians. On Monday, March 10, 2026, Nairametrics reported that the Dangote Refinery had increased its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N1,175 per litre, marking the third price hike within the preceding week. However, the refinery subsequently reduced its ex-depot price for petrol by N100, bringing the selling price at the refinery to N1,075 on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.