Fuel Crisis: Tinubu Orders Rollout of 100,000 CNG Conversion Kits to Ease Impact of Middle East War

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate nationwide deployment of about 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits as part of measures to cushion the effect of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Nigerian commuters.

The directive is aimed at reducing transportation costs and expanding the use of alternative energy sources as global fuel prices continue to rise due to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

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

Ahmed said Tinubu has been closely monitoring global developments and their potential impact on Nigeria’s energy costs, especially the rising prices of petrol and diesel linked to the Middle East crisis.

According to him, the President has directed the Pi-CNG initiative to accelerate the rollout of gas infrastructure and alternative transportation solutions across the country.

He explained that the administration is focused on ensuring Nigerians have access to cheaper transportation options through the expansion of gas-powered mobility.

“The President is always interested in understanding what is happening globally, particularly with the war in the Middle East and how it is affecting the cost of petrol and diesel,” Ahmed said.

“He asked about the steps we are taking under the Pi-CNG programme and electric vehicle initiatives to expand access to gas and CNG nationwide so Nigerians can enjoy lower transportation costs.”

Ahmed revealed that the President has specifically instructed that approximately 100,000 CNG conversion kits be deployed within the next two to three weeks.

The kits will allow vehicle owners—including commercial tricycle and transport operators—to convert their vehicles from petrol to gas-powered engines. Conversion centres across the country are expected to witness increased activity as the rollout begins.

Beyond vehicle conversion, Ahmed said the government is also accelerating the expansion of supporting infrastructure such as CNG refuelling stations and electric vehicle charging facilities.

He noted that Tinubu has directed that infrastructure development be prioritised along key transportation corridors, particularly in northern Nigeria.

According to Ahmed, the government is currently developing a nationwide network of refuelling and charging facilities to support the transition to cleaner and cheaper mobility options.

He disclosed that about 77 CNG refilling stations are presently at different stages of development across Nigeria.

Using Kano as an example, he said two Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations are already operational in the state, while additional satellite or “daughter” stations are under construction.

Ahmed added that the government plans to establish a chain of refuelling points along major transport routes stretching from Lokoja through Abuja, Kaduna and Zaria, up to Kano and Maiduguri.

He further explained that the Pi-CNG programme is collaborating with both local and international manufacturers to support vehicle conversions and encourage the local assembly of CNG-powered and electric vehicles in Nigeria.

According to him, several manufacturers have already expressed interest in establishing assembly lines in the country, a move expected to boost job creation and strengthen the local automotive sector.

The initiative is also partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar-powered charging stations that will support electric vehicles, particularly in off-grid areas.

Ahmed noted that the number of Nigerians importing electric vehicles is increasing, and the government’s focus is now on building sufficient infrastructure to support their operation.