The Nigerian government has launched an initiative to promote the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across the country, with a focus on public awareness, grassroots mobilization, and education on its economic and environmental benefits. The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) is driving this effort, which aligns with the federal government’s goal of transitioning Nigeria towards a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.
According to Dr. Ismaeel Ahmed, CEO of PiCNG, the initiative aims to strengthen public awareness and grassroots mobilization on the advantages of CNG, enabling Nigerians to participate in and benefit from the emerging gas-powered economy. A strategic partnership with the City Boy Movement (CBM), a grassroots mobilizer, is expected to enhance community-level engagement, accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions, and expand access to alternative fuel options, particularly in underserved areas.
The partnership between PiCNG and CBM is seen as a critical bridge between federal initiatives and local communities. CBM’s Director-General, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, noted that the move aligns with the organization’s mandate to mobilize citizens at the grassroots, promote government policies, and drive sustainable development initiatives across the country. The PiCNG program is expected to reduce unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and advance environmental sustainability by promoting the widespread adoption of CNG, saving costs, creating jobs, and encouraging environmental sustainability.
The initiative supports national priorities on sustainable transport, emission reduction, gas-flaring mitigation, and broad-based economic growth. CBM’s role in the partnership is to drive a bottom-up adoption strategy, ensuring that CNG-related opportunities, training, and infrastructure reach communities nationwide, both urban and rural. By promoting the adoption of CNG, the Nigerian government and CBM aim to create a more sustainable and inclusive energy future for the country, with significant economic and environmental benefits for its citizens.
The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s energy sector, with the potential to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. As the country transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, the adoption of CNG is seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal. With the support of organizations like CBM, the Nigerian government is well-positioned to promote the widespread adoption of CNG and create a more sustainable energy future for its citizens.