By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, curbing urban air pollution, and creating green jobs through the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner alternative to diesel and petrol.
Speaking at the 2025 Fuel with CNG Diesel Retrofit Workshop held in Lagos on Thursday, June 26, the Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, said the government is not only converting engines but “reimagining Nigeria’s energy future.”
He noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to lower energy costs and improve the financial wellbeing of Nigerians.
“More money in your pocket means you can afford healthcare, education, housing, and other basic needs,” Oluwagbemi stated.
By offering a “cheaper, safer, and more reliable domestic energy source,” the Pi-CNG programme aims to make energy more affordable and accessible, thereby reducing inflationary pressures and stimulating inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking at the event, guest speaker Mr. Toba Omibiyi, Technical Director at Large and Grant Ltd., addressed public misconceptions about the safety of CNG.
He stressed the need for proper education and awareness, clarifying that CNG should not be confused with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which has different characteristics.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, auto industry experts, fleet operators, and green tech innovators, to discuss Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels.
Central to the discussions were strategies for retrofitting diesel-powered vehicles to run on CNG—a move seen as critical to transforming the country’s transportation sector.
Participants highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of CNG, urging swift and coordinated action to scale its adoption nationwide.
