Abuja: More than 100,000 vehicles in Nigeria are now powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), according to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs). Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, the Executive Chairman/CEO of PiCNG, revealed this information during an event in Abuja. Ahmed was represented by Mr. Zayyanu Tambari, Chief Compliance Officer at PiCNG, at the Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited CNG products unveiling and stakeholders’ engagement organized in collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the number of CNG-converted vehicles in the country has grown significantly from about 11,000 vehicles in 2023. The unveiling event featured several dignitaries, including Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of NAN, Mr. Mubarak Abdul, Chief Operating Officer of Alfa Designs, and Pankaj Bohhra of Mijo Auto Gas, along with PiCNG officials. The products showcased included CNG conversion kits by Mijo AutoGas, CNG cylinders by EKC International, a CNG Mother Station by CIMC ENRIC, and an Optical Gas Imaging Camera by Opgal Optronics.
The initiative aims to increase the number of vehicles using CNG as an alternative or complementary fuel. The CNG programme has been a legacy project since 2012, when the first CNG facilities were commissioned in Nigeria by NIPCO in Benin City. Currently, various companies in the private sector are transitioning their fleets, particularly long-haul vehicles, to CNG. The goal is to convert one million vehicles to CNG by the end of 2027 as part of a direct presidential mandate.
The presidential initiative is actively engaging with stakeholders and partners to promote CNG as a preferred alternative fuel due to its cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental benefits. When the programme was inaugurated in October 2023, only 11 states had CNG infrastructure. Now, over 25 states have some form of CNG footprint, with more states expected to join soon. The initiative aims to cover all 36 states and Abuja by 2027, with hopes to achieve this by the end of 2026.
The unveiling event was described as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to transition towards cleaner and more affordable transportation and industrial energy solutions. Ahmed praised the collaboration between Alfa Designs Nigeria Limited and NAN in introducing new CNG products developed with leading global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He emphasized the growing momentum across Nigeria as innovators, local manufacturers, and development partners contribute to the country’s Gas Expansion Programme.