Tinubu expands PiCNG mandate to include electric vehicles

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major expansion of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), adding electric vehicles to its mandate. The initiative will now operate as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV), positioning Nigeria to lead in clean mobility.

Under the new mandate, PiCNG & EV will coordinate the country’s strategy for both gas-powered and electric vehicles, overseeing the development of infrastructure, nationwide vehicle conversion programmes, and the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging networks.

The initiative will continue deploying CNG infrastructure, including Mother and Daughter Stations, Integrated Refuelling Units, and CNG vehicles and equipment. It will now also spearhead investments in EVs and related infrastructure across Nigeria.

Highlighting the strategic importance of gas, President Tinubu emphasized its role in reducing transportation costs, boosting energy security, and conserving foreign exchange. The addition of electric vehicles aligns with the government’s agenda for affordable, efficient, and environmentally responsible mobility.

The President has instructed the Executive Chairman of PiCNG & EV to establish a coordinated process for rapid deployment of vehicle conversion kits nationwide, ensuring that costs remain accessible to Nigerians. To support this, the initiative will collaborate with CreditCorp Nigeria, banks, and other partners to create cost-effective financing structures.

Additionally, the President directed an accelerated rollout of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs) to expand access to CNG while permanent infrastructure continues to scale.