By Patrick Idowu

Nigeria has crossed a major milestone in its energy transition journey, with over 100 thousand vehicles now powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), announced on Tuesday.

Describing the feat as a turning point, the PCNGI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting affordable and cleaner energy solutions across the country.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more affordable energy solutions.

“Today, Nigeria boasts over 100 thousand vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, a testament to the growing national momentum toward sustainable transport,” the statement read.

The PCNGI credited the rapid progress to policy reforms, infrastructure development, and increased private sector participation, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies.

The number of CNG conversion and refueling centers has grown from just seven in 2023 to more than 140 by the end of 2024.

This expansion, backed by over 200 million dollars in private investment, is said to be unlocking access to clean energy infrastructure on a national scale.

The initiative has also driven job creation, with thousands employed across conversion centers and related services.

Through the President’s Conversion Incentive Programme, the government continues to offer free conversions for commercial vehicles, easing the burden on transport operators and commuters.

The PCNGI said it remains focused on lowering transport costs, improving air quality, and building a greener and more resilient economy for all Nigerians.

By Patrick Idowu

The Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups has commended President Bola Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas policy, applauding its rollout across northern Nigeria and describing it as a bold step toward economic relief and cleaner energy.

Speaking at a public sensitization event in Kano, the coalition praised Rolling Energy for leading CNG conversion and refueling efforts in states such as Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Maiduguri, and the Federal Capital Territory.

They dismissed claims that the initiative has excluded the North, labeling such narratives as misleading and politically motivated.

Comrade Auwal Shuaibu, secretary of the coalition, noted that Tinubu’s swift introduction of the CNG project was a thoughtful response to the fuel subsidy removal, aimed at cushioning the economic blow on citizens.

“Rolling Energy is doing the North proud. Despite initial hesitation from some of our business leaders, the company has not slowed down,” Shuaibu said, adding that conversion centres in Kano will be operational soon.

Coalition chairman, Malam Abdullahi Mohammed, stressed the need for northern stakeholders to embrace the opportunity, revealing that eight indigenous companies, including Rolling Energy, are partnering with the federal government to deliver the initiative nationwide.

A Rolling Energy representative reaffirmed the company’s dedication, assuring transport stakeholders that more CNG stations would become fully functional across the country in the coming weeks.

By Patrick Idowu

The Tinubu Media Volunteers have hailed the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas initiative as a game-changing move that is transforming transportation, creating jobs and attracting massive private sector investment.

In a statement jointly signed by Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, the group said the CNG project has already attracted N760 billion in private investment, the equivalent of 491 million dollars, in just one year.

They attributed the development to the government’s bold decision to remove fuel subsidy, which gave birth to the CNG rollout under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“CNG is now reducing the cost of transportation for many Nigerians and is fast becoming a sustainable alternative to petrol,” the group noted.

According to the Programme Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, the scheme has already generated over 84,000 direct and indirect jobs.

From just seven centres a year ago, Nigeria now boasts over 200 CNG conversion centres nationwide, with projections of hitting 10,000 by the first quarter of next year.

The group also applauded the government for distributing 405 buses under an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to support workers’ mobility.

Describing the programme as practical and visionary, the media group urged authorities to push further, noting that the full potential of the CNG initiative could lift millions out of poverty and accelerate economic growth.

“We look forward to its expansion across 25 sites and 15 states as promised by the managers. If well harnessed, CNG will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” they stated.