Tinubu expands PiCNG to include electric vehicles

Tinubu PiCNG electric vehicles expansion integrates EVs into Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy with nationwide rollout plans

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas to include electric vehicles, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s clean energy transport strategy.

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The announcement was made on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement confirming that the initiative will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles.

According to the Presidency, the Tinubu PiCNG electric vehicles expansion will position the programme as the coordinating framework for Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility, covering both gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles nationwide.

The initiative will continue to oversee the rollout of compressed natural gas infrastructure, including refuelling stations, integrated units and vehicle conversion programmes, while also spearheading the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure across the country.

Tinubu directed the leadership of the initiative to immediately establish a coordinated system for the rapid distribution of vehicle conversion kits, ensuring affordability and accessibility for Nigerians.

To support this, the programme will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria and other financial partners to develop flexible financing options aimed at easing adoption.

The President also ordered the accelerated deployment of mobile refuelling units to improve access to compressed natural gas while permanent infrastructure continues to expand.

Officials said the policy builds on Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, positioning gas as a strategic and cost-effective fuel alternative that can reduce transport costs and conserve foreign exchange.

The inclusion of electric vehicles is expected to further strengthen the country’s push towards efficient and environmentally responsible transportation, aligning with global clean energy trends.

The Tinubu PiCNG electric vehicles expansion builds on the original initiative launched in 2023 to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal, with ongoing efforts to convert up to one million vehicles to run on compressed natural gas.

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Analysts say the expanded mandate represents a pivotal step in Nigeria’s energy transition, combining immediate cost relief through gas with long-term sustainability through electrification.

Quadri Olaitan