President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate rollout of about 00,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide in a bid to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

The directive comes amid increasing volatility in global oil markets linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed this after meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ahmed said the move forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reduce transportation costs and expand the use of alternative energy sources as global fuel prices climb due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

According to him, the President sought updates on efforts to expand gas-powered transportation and improve access to cheaper fuel alternatives across the country.

“The President wanted to know what we are doing at Pi-CNG and on electric vehicles to scale up the availability of gas and CNG nationwide so that Nigerians can enjoy lower transportation costs,” Ahmed said.

He confirmed that about 100,000 conversion kits will be deployed within the next two to three weeks, enabling vehicle owners—including tricycle operators—to convert their engines from petrol to gas.

“We have about 100,000 kits that we’re going to deploy in the next two to three weeks. Conversion centres across the country will soon become very active,” he added.

Ahmed also revealed that President Tinubu has ordered an accelerated expansion of CNG refuelling infrastructure and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities nationwide, with particular focus on major transport corridors in northern Nigeria.

“We must fast-track the infrastructure needed to deliver gas, CNG and electric mobility charging stations to every part of the country, especially along the Northern Corridor,” he said.

As part of the expansion, Ahmed disclosed that 77 CNG refuelling stations are currently under development nationwide. In Kano, he said two liquefied compressed natural gas (LCNG) stations are already operational, while several additional “daughter stations” are under construction.

The government also plans to establish a chain of refuelling stations along key transport routes stretching from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano to Maiduguri.

“These are all places that will be equipped with numerous refuelling units to support gas-powered transportation,” Ahmed stated.

He further noted that the Pi-CNG initiative is partnering with both local and international manufacturers to expand vehicle conversion capacity and promote the local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles in Nigeria.

According to Ahmed, several manufacturers have already indicated interest in establishing assembly plants in the country, a development expected to generate employment and strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The initiative is also collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency to develop solar-powered EV charging stations in off-grid areas.

“Electric vehicles are already being brought into the country. Our responsibility is to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure to support them, particularly in off-grid locations,” he said.

Ahmed added that President Tinubu expects the programme to deliver rapid results by providing Nigerians with cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.