The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and Electric Vehicles on Thursday unveiled its Pi-CNG 2.0 and electric mobility programmes to accelerate nationwide transition to cleaner and more affordable transport energy.

Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Pi-CNG, who launched the programme in Abuja, said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to ensuring Nigerians benefit from cheaper mobility options to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

Ahmed said the Pi-CNG 2.0 programme and electric mobility roadmap would showcase various brands of electric vehicles and tricycles currently in use in the country.

He said the new operational phase would focus on availability, affordability and acceptability of CNG and EV technologies across Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

According to him, five Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations and daughter stations will be commissioned in Kano from January 2026, ahead of expansion to Kaduna, Gombe, Maiduguri and Katsina.

Ahmed said the initiative, originally introduced to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, had evolved into a driver of the country’s clean mobility agenda.

He said the programme had, over the last 20 months, advanced the gas-to-transport value chain through partnerships with industry operators, state governments, financiers and automotive manufacturers.

“Our key achievements include the rollout of the Conversion Incentive Programme in 28 states, establishment of more than 58 refueling stations, deployment of thousands of natural gas vehicles, and enlistment of over 300 conversion partners.

“We have attracted two billion dollars in investment and trained more than 6,000 Nigerians. A major lesson from the first phase is that sustained offtake depends on reliable gas supply,” he said.

According to him, Pi-CNG has strengthened engagements with regulators, producers and midstream operators to secure long-term feedstock and optimise logistics across the virtual pipeline network.

Ahmed said the initiative had also recorded progress in local manufacturing, including plans for an industrial park in Ajaokuta dedicated to producing CNG components to reduce imports and boost domestic value creation.

He said other milestones included strengthened gas infrastructure in northern states and a partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission to expand CNG stations across the region.

Ahmed also disclosed that Pi-CNG and EV had activated a national e-mobility programme in collaboration with key Original Equipment Manufacturers to deploy electric vehicles.

He announced that the initiative would unveil its full presence in Kano State in the first quarter of 2026, with President Tinubu expected to inaugurate the Northern Corridor CNG network.

“This initiative is people-centred; the President’s priority is improving the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians, as cheaper transport will directly reduce the cost of goods and services.

“We will power charging stations with CNG to address concerns about electricity supply. Nigeria has enough sunlight and gas resources to sustain large-scale clean mobility,” he said.

Earlier at the electric vehicle fair held as part of the event, Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by his Special Assistant, Abel Igheghe, commended Pi-CNG for advancing Nigeria’s clean energy goals.

He said the EV and CNG rollout aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly regarding energy security, industrial growth and environmental sustainability.

According to him, Nigeria’s mobility future will rely on a mix of options including CNG, LPG, LNG and electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicle development will unlock jobs, attract investments and create opportunities in assembly, battery technology and charging infrastructure.

“The Ministry will continue to support initiatives that promote alternative fuels, deepen gas utilisation, strengthen private-sector innovation and advance the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that clean mobility solutions remain inclusive and affordable.

Ekpo assured that the newly unveiled electric buses would be deployed within the week across several states to provide cheaper transportation during the festive period.

“Pi-CNG has made electric mobility a reality. These buses will be on the road immediately, offering Nigerians affordable transport this Christmas,” he said.

Stakeholders including the National Automotive Design and Development Council and several local and foreign partners showcased their EV brands at the fair. The Federal Road Safety Corps and various road transport unions were also in attendance.