President Bola Tinubu has directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to acquire vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), as part of his administration’s energy reform agenda.
The directive was disclosed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media Publicity, during a meeting with members of the federal executive council (FEC) at the State House on Monday.
Ngelale emphasized that Tinubu’s decision aligns with his commitment to ensuring energy security, promoting utility, and reducing high fuel costs in the country.
Tinubu reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to energy reforms, stating, “This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people.”
He instructed FEC members to reject memos seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, urging them to pursue value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles instead.
Tinubu’s administration aims to harness the nation’s gas potential effectively, alleviate transportation costs, and enhance the standard of living for all Nigerians.
The presidency had previously announced plans to launch the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) ahead of the first anniversary of Tinubu’s administration on May 29.
This initiative, in collaboration with the private sector, will establish conversion workshops and refueling sites across 18 states by year-end.
Furthermore, Tinubu’s administration has allocated funds to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater buses powered by CNG.
In a bid to encourage adoption, the government waived value-added tax (VAT) on CNG bus purchases and plans to waive duty on parts.
President Tinubu’s directive underscores a strategic shift towards sustainable energy solutions, signaling a commitment to driving positive change in Nigeria’s energy sector.
