Tinubu’s CNG Initiative: Cheaper, Safer, Greener Nigeria
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2023, aims to provide Nigerians with a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly energy alternative following the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023. This initiative, known as the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), is part of a broader palliative intervention by the Tinubu administration to mitigate the hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal. It specifically targets the transportation sector, aiming to reduce the cost of public transportation by promoting the use of CNG-powered vehicles and providing conversion kits for existing vehicles to switch to CNG.
The Pi-CNG is set to roll out the first set of critical assets ahead of the first anniversary of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2024. The initiative involves the deployment of 5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 Electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits. It also includes the development of CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations nationwide. The initiative aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s transportation landscape, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
The Federal Government has allocated N100 billion (part of the N500 billion palliative budget) for this program. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the private sector, including companies like JET, Mikano, Mojo, and Brilliant EV, which are involved in the assembly of CNG buses. The Nigerian Army has also inaugurated CNG vehicles under the Auto Switch Kick-off Pilot Programme powered by the Pi-CNG.
The Presidential CNG Initiative is not only a move towards energy independence and environmental sustainability but also a step towards meeting Nigeria’s National Determined Contributions commitments under the Paris Agreement. It seeks to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and supporting technology transfer, particularly in the auto manufacturing and gas distribution sectors.
In summary, the Tinubu administration’s CNG initiative represents a significant step towards a more affordable, safer, and greener Nigeria. It aims to provide relief to the masses affected by the fuel subsidy removal, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to a sustainable future for Nigeria.
