‘We received $2bn investment commitments to boost CNG adoption’

The Executive Chairman of Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) Barr. Ismael Ahmed, has stated that investors have pledged $2bn to boost investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure in Nigeria. Speaking during the launch and commissioning of 40 electric buses and 500 tricycles yesterday in Abuja, he said Over the last 20 months, […]

The Executive Chairman of Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) Barr. Ismael Ahmed, has stated that investors have pledged $2bn to boost investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure in Nigeria.

Speaking during the launch and commissioning of 40 electric buses and 500 tricycles yesterday in Abuja, he said Over the last 20 months, PI-CNG has worked closely with industry players, leading to rolling out the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP) in over 28 states; supporting the establishment of more than 58 refuelling infrastructures.

“We have deployed thousands of NGV buses and tricycles across viable transport corridors; onboarding over 300 automotive conversion partners; and directly training more than 6,000 Nigerians, including 150 armed forces personnel and 220 women in Kano.”

He said the PI-CNG, which is in its second phase from 2026, will scale nationwide operations to drive localisation, deepen market integration and expand the Electric Vehicle component for clean-mobility agenda.

“From January 2026, we will commission five LCNG and daughter stations in Kano, before expanding to Kaduna, Gombe, Maiduguri, and Katsina. To get gas supply in these areas is challenging and it needs a lot of money. But with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) already doing the AKK gas pipeline, we hope that that comes, we’ll be able to see a faster growth in terms of that, but nevertheless, what the government is doing is to be able to make sure that we put in our money where our heart is, to incentivise.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the rollout on the vehicles mark a bold step in Nigeria’s journey towards cleaner, smarter and more sustainable mobility.

Ekpo, who was represented by his aide, Abel Igheghe, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric mobility.

“This gathering is not just a product showcase; it is a statement of intent. We will continue to support initiatives that align with our clean energy aspirations.