FG bolsters green energy push with CNG buses, conversion incentives for Nigerian army

By Abbas Nazil
In a major move to drive Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the Federal Government has handed over five brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Nigerian Army.
The handover, which took place at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, is part of the ongoing Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) aimed at enhancing energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels.
The initiative also includes a broad support package that goes beyond vehicle donations.
In his remarks during the ceremony, the Program Director and Chief Executive Officer of PCNGI noted that the Nigerian Army had been a pioneer in adopting CNG technology.
He commended the military institution for stepping forward over a year and six months ago to serve as a pilot for the CNG transition program.
According to him, the Army’s early adoption demonstrated foresight and commitment to national development and environmental responsibility.
One of the key elements of the support package is a free CNG vehicle conversion incentive specifically for Army personnel.
Under this arrangement, the PCNGI will supply free CNG conversion kits to the Army’s conversion centers. Additionally, these centers will participate fully in the Conversion Incentive Program.
This initiative is expected to ensure that at least 5,000 vehicles belonging to Army personnel are converted to CNG in the coming months, significantly reducing the military’s carbon footprint and fuel costs.
Furthermore, the PCNGI has also allocated dedicated CNG daughter stations to serve various military formations across the country.
This measure is designed to ensure consistent access to CNG fuel for Army vehicles, thereby enhancing the reliability and sustainability of military transportation.
In addition to the physical and infrastructural support, the program also includes capacity development initiatives targeted at Army personnel and their families.
These programs aim to equip soldiers and their dependents with technical skills relevant to the green energy sector, such as vehicle conversion, maintenance, and energy systems management.
By doing so, the government hopes to create new economic opportunities and foster self-reliance within military communities while supporting the country’s green transition.
This initiative underscores the Federal Government’s broader commitment to a greener future and highlights the Nigerian Army’s emerging role as a partner in national sustainability efforts.
With this step, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries taking tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of alternative fuel technologies.