Abuja: The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles has launched its 2.0 and electric mobility programmes to enhance the transition to cleaner and more affordable transport options across the nation. Ismaeel Ahmed, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Pi-CNG and Electric Vehicles, announced the initiative in Abuja, emphasizing the president’s commitment to providing Nigerians with more economical mobility solutions following the removal of fuel subsidies.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahmed highlighted that the Pi-CNG 2.0 programme and its electric mobility roadmap aim to feature various brands of electric vehicles and tricycles already operational in the country. The new phase will focus on ensuring the availability, affordability, and acceptance of CNG and EV technologies nationwide. Ahmed stated, “Our mission remains to build a resilient multi-energy transport ecosystem that lowers costs for Nigerians and positions the country as a continental clean mobility leader.”
Ahmed revealed that five Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) and daughter stations are set to be launched in Kano by January 2026, with plans for further expansion to Kaduna, Gombe, Maiduguri, and Katsina. The initiative, initially introduced to mitigate the impacts of fuel subsidy removal, has transformed into a driving force for a nationwide clean mobility transition.
Over the past 20 months, the programme has activated the gas-to-transport value chain through collaborations with industry stakeholders, state governments, financiers, and automotive manufacturers. Key achievements include the rollout of the Conversion Incentive Programme in 28 states, establishment of over 58 refueling stations, deployment of thousands of natural gas vehicles, and enlistment of more than 300 conversion partners.
Ahmed noted that the initiative has attracted $2 billion in investments and trained over 6,000 Nigerians. A significant learning from the first phase was that sustained offtake depended on a reliable gas supply. Therefore, the initiative has deepened engagement with regulators, producers, and midstream operators to secure long-term feedstock and optimize logistics across the virtual pipeline network.
Pi-CNG and EVs have also made strides in local manufacturing, with plans for an industrial park in Ajaokuta dedicated to producing CNG components, thereby reducing import dependence and promoting domestic value creation. Other milestones include enhanced gas infrastructure in northern states and a partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expand CNG stations in the region.
Additionally, Ahmed announced the activation of a national e-mobility programme to deploy electric vehicles in collaboration with strategic Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The initiative will fully establish its presence in Kano State in the first quarter of 2026, with President Bola Tinubu expected to inaugurate the Northern Corridor’s CNG network.
During the Electric Vehicle (EV) fair, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Gas, commended Pi-CNG for advancing Nigeria’s clean energy goals. Represented by Mr. Abel Igheghe, his Special Assistant, Ekpo noted that the EV project and ongoing CNG rollout align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on energy security, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s mobility future will be shaped by a mix of energy options, including CNG, LPG, LNG, and electric vehicles. He stated, “Electric Vehicles development will unlock new jobs, attract investments, and create opportunities in assembly, battery technology, and charging infrastructure.”
The Minister assured that the newly unveiled electric buses would not merely be for show but would be deployed within the week across several states to provide cheaper transportation during the festive season, reinforcing the reality of electric mobility in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that stakeholders, including the National Automotive Design and Development Council, as well as local and foreign partners, showcased their EV brands at the event.