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By, Moses Akaigwe
The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, has called for stronger collaboration among government, investors, manufacturers, financial institutions and the media to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable transportation.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Engr. Yabo at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in Lagos on Thursday, Ahmed said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains firmly committed to building a comprehensive clean mobility ecosystem anchored on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” the keynote emphasised that clean mobility has evolved from a future aspiration into a central pillar of Nigeria’s transportation and energy strategy.
According to the address, the Presidential Initiative on CNG and EV was established not only to promote alternative fuels but also to coordinate investment, infrastructure development, vehicle conversion, skills acquisition, local manufacturing and consumer confidence across the sector.
The address explained that the initiative was conceived following the removal of fuel subsidy to provide Nigerians with a more affordable and sustainable transportation alternative by leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas resources.
It highlighted significant achievements recorded over the past two years, including the expansion of certified CNG conversion centres across the country, increased investment in refuelling infrastructure, rising vehicle conversion rates, and the training of thousands of technicians to ensure safety, quality and technical competence.
The keynote also underscored strategic partnerships with financial institutions, vehicle manufacturers, energy companies and state governments aimed at improving access to financing, attracting investments and supporting the broader adoption of clean mobility solutions nationwide.
It described the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System as a major milestone that will enhance transparency, safety, regulatory oversight and consumer confidence across the vehicle conversion industry.
While acknowledging the growing success of CNG due to its economic advantages, the address stressed that the initiative remains equally committed to advancing electric mobility through support for EV deployment, charging infrastructure, local vehicle assembly and enabling policy frameworks.
The address further acknowledged that infrastructure expansion, consumer financing, local manufacturing capacity, technical training, research, innovation and standardisation remain critical priorities that require sustained collaboration among government, investors, manufacturers, transport operators, financial institutions, development partners and the media.
Speaking on behalf of Barr. Ahmed, Engineer Yabo described the media as a strategic stakeholder in Nigeria’s clean mobility transition and urged auto journalists to educate the public on the benefits of alternative fuels, safety standards, emerging technologies and investment opportunities.
He said Pi-CNG & EV would continue to strengthen engagement with journalists through technical briefings, industry dialogues, improved access to reliable data and timely information sharing to boost public confidence and counter misinformation.
The initiative, he added, will continue expanding CNG infrastructure nationwide, strengthening regulations in collaboration with relevant agencies, encouraging investment in local manufacturing and vehicle conversion, deepening access to finance, and working closely with stakeholders to build a commercially viable, safe and sustainable clean mobility ecosystem.
He maintained that the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by its contribution to reducing transportation costs, stimulating industrial activity, creating jobs, enhancing energy security and improving the overall quality of life of Nigerians.
The keynote concluded with a commendation to the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association for providing a credible platform that promotes constructive dialogue among government, industry stakeholders and the media on the future of mobility in Nigeria.
