The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, PiCNG, has recorded significant progress in promoting the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Electric Vehicles, EVs, in Nigeria. According to Zayyanu Tambari, Chief Compliance Officer of PiCNG, over 4,600 tricycles and 100,000 vehicles in the country are now using CNG as an alternative or complementary fuel.
As of 2023, Nigeria had approximately 11,000 CNG-converted vehicles, but this number has grown substantially. PiCNG aims to convert one million vehicles by 2027, with notable progress made so far. Companies in the private sector, particularly those operating long-haulage services, are refitting their fleets to run on CNG. Over 11,000 Natural Gas Vehicles, including haulage trucks, have been assembled, with more than 4,000 being Dangote Trucks. Additionally, over 4,600 CNG tricycles and 510 CNG/AGO/PMS buses have been deployed.
The presidential mandate is to have at least one million vehicles using CNG by 2027, either through conversion, factory fitting, or importation. The initiative has also expanded its infrastructure, with CNG facilities now present in over 23 states, up from 11 states at its inception. There are currently 379 conversion centers in the country, with plans to extend the CNG footprint to every state, if not every senatorial district, by the end of 2026.
The number of refilling infrastructure has also increased significantly, from 20 in 2023 to 58, with 21 CNG mother stations. Over 6,300 technicians have been trained to support the growing CNG ecosystem. The initiative has attracted over $2 billion in investments, with a target of $5 billion by 2027, driven by private sector interest.
President Bola Tinubu unveiled the PiCNG program in 2023 as part of Nigeria’s energy mix, committing to expand CNG stations and EV charging infrastructure for affordable mobility. With the progress made so far, PiCNG is on track to meet its targets, contributing to a significant reduction in the country’s dependence on traditional fuels and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution. As the initiative continues to grow, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s energy landscape and promoting economic development.
