In a decisive move to bolster energy security and curb high fuel costs, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive mandating all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles.
This directive, conveyed during the fifth Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 2024 at the State House in Abuja, underscores Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to advancing energy reforms.
The initiative, which revives the CNG conversion programme initially agreed upon between the Federal Government and Organised Labour in 2021, aims to mitigate the economic strain triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies. Tinubu’s administration has not only prioritised the resuscitation of the conversion process but has also ensured its funded implementation, commencing with vehicle conversions and the expansion of CNG fueling infrastructure nationwide.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), launched in October 2023 at the Presidential Villa, marked a significant milestone in this endeavor, with the donation of two CNG-powered buses to the State House management. Now, with the latest directive, all government bodies are mandated to transition to CNG vehicles, aligning with Nigeria’s broader ambition to embrace cleaner energy alternatives.
President Tinubu, in reiterating his administration’s steadfast commitment to energy reforms, emphasised the necessity of leading by example. He emphasised, “This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot.” Tinubu underscored the imperative for public officials to champion the adoption of CNG vehicles, setting a precedent for the nation’s transition to a prosperous, sustainable future.
Moreover, in a bid to enforce this transition, President Tinubu has instructed Federal Government organs to reject all proposals seeking the purchase of petrol-powered vehicles. This directive reaffirms the administration’s resolute stance on advancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact through innovative measures.
President Tinubu’s directive signals a pivotal step towards achieving energy security, driving utility, and mitigating the financial burden of high fuel costs for both the government and Nigerian consumers. As Nigeria charts a course towards a greener and more sustainable future, the mandatory procurement of CNG vehicles marks a significant stride in realising these objectives.
