By Our Correspondent

National News – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the rapid deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits within the next two to three weeks as part of urgent measures to reduce the burden of rising petrol and diesel costs on Nigerians.

The directive is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand the use of CNG as a cheaper alternative fuel and to accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner and more affordable transportation.

Officials say the initiative aims to help motorists, commercial transport operators, and tricycle riders cut fuel expenses significantly.

The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, Ismaeel Ahmed, disclosed the development after a meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja.

According to Ahmed, the directive was prompted by escalating global oil prices driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have increased fuel costs and transportation expenses across Nigeria.

Ahmed explained that the government plans to work with multiple stakeholders to ensure that the CNG conversion kits reach vehicle owners quickly, enabling many vehicles and tricycles to operate on natural gas instead of petrol or diesel.

He noted that conversion centres across the country are expected to experience intense activity once the rollout begins.

The government is also accelerating infrastructure development to support the shift to gas-powered vehicles.

Currently, 77 CNG refuelling stations are at different stages of development nationwide, with notable progress recorded in Kano.

Two LCNG stations and several additional “daughter stations” are already being developed in the state.

Authorities plan to establish a major **CNG refuelling corridor stretching from Lokoja through Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano to Maiduguri.

This network of refuelling points is expected to ensure easier access to gas for motorists traveling across northern Nigeria.

In addition to CNG adoption, the initiative also supports electric vehicle infrastructure expansion.

The programme is collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar-powered charging stations nationwide.

The Federal Government launched the CNG programme in 2023 with the goal of converting one million vehicles to natural gas.

Experts note that CNG costs about 60–70% less than petrol, making it a promising solution for reducing transportation costs and improving energy sustainability in Nigeria.