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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has drawn $491 million (₦760.64 billion) in private investments and created 84,000 jobs—9,000 direct and 75,000 indirect—within its first year.
Project Director Michael Oluwagbemi announced this on Monday, 7 April 2025, during the fifth Meet the Press event hosted by the Presidential Communications Team at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Oluwagbemi credited a robust stakeholder engagement and awareness campaign from May to November 2024. “We’ve attracted over $491m to AutoNG, convincing the private sector to invest alongside government efforts by sparking demand from commercial and private vehicle users,” he said. Conversion capacity for bi-fuel systems has surged 3,000%, with centres growing from seven to over 200 nationwide.
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The PCNGI targets 10,000 vehicle conversions by Q1 2025 and has deployed 405 buses through deals with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. To address CNG supply gaps, the new Refuelling On-Lending Programme will provide equipment at cost to key partners. By June 2025, CNG coverage will expand from five to 17 states, with 25 sites planned. “Kwara is live, with Kogi, Ekiti, Rivers, and Abuja joining by May 1, followed by Kaduna, Abia, Enugu, Niger, Kano, and Benue by June 12,” he said.
Private partners will deploy 150 new refuelling stations in 18 months, while NNPC has added 12 sites, with eight more this quarter and 100 approved for the next 18-24 months. “Longer queues are temporary due to our successful campaign and initiatives like CIP, which pays for conversions,” Oluwagbemi noted.
He revealed plans for the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), launching by year-end, to ensure only certified vehicles are refuelled. Addressing safety concerns, he cited partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Gas, SON, NADDC, NMDPRA, and FRSC, active within 60 days. “A Benin incident last year from illegal cylinder fabrication will be avoided with NGMS,” he assured.
