Nigeria shifts gears as Tinubu expands green transport plan to include EVs

By Segun Ojumu

Nigeria is doubling down on its shift away from petrol, as President Bola Tinubu expands the country’s gas-powered vehicle initiative to include electric cars.

In a move aimed at making transport more affordable and environmentally friendly, the government has rebranded the “Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas” (PiCNG) to include Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).

The policy shift signals a broader “clean mobility strategy” for Africa’s most populous nation, which has been grappling with soaring transport costs since the removal of a popular fuel subsidy last year.

A dual-track approach

While gas remains the primary focus due to Nigeria’s vast natural reserves, the inclusion of electric vehicles (EVs) suggests the government is looking toward a long-term, diverse energy future.

The mandate now covers:Infrastructure: A nationwide rollout of both gas refuelling stations and EV charging points.

Conversions: A rapid deployment of kits to turn petrol-run engines into gas-powered ones.

Investment: Attracting private capital for the assembly and distribution of electric cars.

Lowering the barrier to entry

One of the biggest hurdles for Nigerians has been the upfront cost of converting old vehicles to use cheaper gas. To address this, President Tinubu has directed that conversion kits be made accessible at a cost that is “not burdensome.”The government plans to work with CreditCorp Nigeria and local banks to provide financing options, effectively allowing drivers to pay for their engine upgrades over time.”Gas remains a competitive and strategic fuel for transportation… but the inclusion of electric vehicles strengthens the agenda for affordable and environmentally responsible mobility,” State House spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said.

Analysis: Can the grid handle it?

This is an ambitious pivot. For months, the talk has been all about gas—specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). By adding electric vehicles to the mix, the President is trying to align Nigeria with global green trends. However, the “electric” part of this plan faces a familiar Nigerian problem: the power grid. For EVs to become a reality for the average person, the government will need to prove that charging a car is more reliable than finding fuel at a pump. For now, the focus remains on “Mobile Refuelling Units”—essentially gas stations on wheels—to bridge the gap while permanent infrastructure is built.