- Nigeria’s shift to compressed natural gas (CNG) strengthens the country’s sustainable transport agenda and reduces reliance on costly, polluting fuels.
- The move positions compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic growth and environmental strategy.
Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasised that Nigeria is moving from expensive, polluting fuels to abundant, environmentally friendly natural gas. Consequently, she stated that this shift forms a central pillar of the federal government’s vision for sustainable transportation under President Bola Tinubu.
The minister spoke at the 2nd Annual Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conference and World Sustainable Transport Day event. The gathering took place at the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja. Mahmoud stressed that adopting CNG is not just a technical upgrade. Instead, it represents a strategic investment aimed at national survival, economic transformation, and environmental progress.
Furthermore, she noted that the FCT Administration, under Nyesom Wike, is setting a national example by redesigning Abuja’s transport system. The focus is on efficiency, sustainability, and convenience. In addition, Mahmoud said the administration is expanding refuelling infrastructure. It is also introducing policies that encourage the use of alternative fuels while discouraging high-emission transport practices.
Moreover, the minister called on all stakeholders, including private sector actors, technical experts, financiers, and transport operators, to support the government’s vision. She emphasised that swift and coordinated action is crucial for Nigeria’s future. Mahmoud described the conference as a platform to unite the nation. Accordingly, the aim is to build a cost-effective, low-emission transport system powered by Nigeria’s natural resources.
She also expressed confidence that the conference decisions would secure a cleaner, greener Nigeria for future generations. In addition, Mahmoud highlighted the FCT’s leadership in advancing sustainable transport. This role aligns closely with federal priorities for both environmental and economic development.
In her welcome address, Hajiya Maryam Salihu Ibrahim, MD/CEO of Automotive Gas Nigeria Services Limited (Autogas Nigeria), explained that Nigeria is at a pivotal point in its energy transition. She added that the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) is more than a response to global climate pressures. Instead, it is a strategic economic reform. The initiative aims to reduce fuel costs, improve energy security, and drive inclusive growth nationwide. Ibrahim also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the project. Furthermore, she noted that the CNG revolution forms a critical part of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.