The Programme Coordinator of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, has disclosed that over $491 million has been invested in AutoCNG, creating more than 84,000 jobs in the past year.
According to him, of the 84,000 jobs, 9,000 are direct while 75,000 are indirect.
AutoCNG refers to vehicles that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), serving as an alternative fuel for cars and other vehicles.
Speaking at the State House, Oluwagbemi announced that the vehicle conversion capacity—from petrol and diesel to bi-fuel—has increased from just seven to over 200.
He also reported that the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP), initiated by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024, has created no fewer than 3,000 new technician jobs.
Oluwagbemi explained that the programme aims to facilitate one million free or subsidized vehicle conversions, particularly for commercial transport operators, rideshare drivers, and government-owned vehicles through PCNGI.
He noted that 22,000 conversion kits were procured and began delivery by the Ministry of Finance in October 2024.
He further stated that 10,000 conversion centres would be established by the end of the second quarter, with implementation having commenced in December 2024.
According to him, the programme has been expanded by PCNGI to allow discounts for public servants to finance the balance of vehicle conversion costs, in partnership with Credit Corp.
“If you also recall,” he said, “to demonstrate the efficacy of CNG and electric vehicle (EV) platforms, CNG buses and tricycles as well as EV buses were procured on our behalf by the Federal Ministry of Finance. A total of 655 buses were procured.
“About 421 CNG buses and 36 EV buses have been delivered so far, and the programme has deployed 405 buses, either as part of the settlement of terms with the NLC and TUC during wage negotiations.”
Oluwagbemi further noted that PCNGI was established to promote the use of natural gas and alternative-fuel vehicles, including electric ones, in response to rising transportation costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
While acknowledging the visible gap in CNG availability, with longer queues in some locations, he assured that the situation would be temporary.
He attributed the challenge to the influx of CNG trucks and the over 30,000 CNG conversions carried out by the private sector, which has more than quintupled Nigeria’s CNG fleet.
“This naturally will put pressure on our gas infrastructure, but PCNGI is not relenting in finding solutions,” he said.
Oluwagbemi also announced the launch of a scheme called the ‘Refueling On-lending Programme’ to provide refueling equipment to key conversion centres and refueling partners.
He said that 25 sites across 15 states are scheduled to benefit from the scheme.
“Already, the first site in Kwara State is live, while Kogi, Ekiti, Rivers, and Abuja will join before May 1, 2025.
“By June 12, Kaduna, Abia, and Enugu will join the fray, with Niger, Kano, and Benue following shortly thereafter,” he said.
