120,000 Vehicles Converted Under Tinubu’s CNG Initiative – Minister
The Federal Government has disclosed that more than 120,000 vehicles have been converted to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) under President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential CNG and Electric Vehicle Initiative, which has attracted about $2.5 billion in private investments.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during a media chat with senior editors and journalists, where he highlighted the government’s economic reforms and progress across key sectors.
Idris said the initiative had also received approximately N250 billion in government funding and commitments, while more than 400 certified vehicle conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations had been established nationwide.
He added that another 180 refuelling stations were under development as the government intensifies efforts to expand the infrastructure needed to support the adoption of cleaner and more affordable transportation alternatives.
According to the minister, the programme is creating employment opportunities and stimulating business activities in host communities, while supporting the government’s broader objective of reducing transportation costs and diversifying the economy.
The initiative was introduced following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, which contributed to increased transportation costs and heightened financial pressure on households and businesses.
The government subsequently promoted CNG as a cheaper alternative to petrol, particularly for commercial transport operators seeking to reduce fuel expenses.
However, the high upfront cost of vehicle conversion remains a major challenge for many motorists. Converting a petrol-powered vehicle to run on CNG can cost between N750,000 and N2.5 million, depending on the vehicle type and engine specifications.
Motorists who have adopted the alternative fuel have also reported challenges, including inadequate refuelling infrastructure, long queues at available stations and lost working hours.
Despite these concerns, the government maintains that expanding conversion facilities and refuelling stations will improve access to CNG and support the transition to more affordable transportation.
Government Highlights Economic Gains
Beyond the CNG initiative, Idris said the government’s economic reforms were beginning to produce improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, although he acknowledged that many Nigerians continued to face cost-of-living challenges.
He said inflation had declined from approximately 27 per cent in January 2025 to around 15 per cent, while the country’s external reserves exceeded $54 billion in September, representing their highest level in almost two decades.
The minister added that Nigeria’s economy was projected to grow by more than four per cent in 2026, while the current account surplus increased to $12 billion in the first half of the year, compared with $8.6 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
He attributed the developments to the government’s economic policies, which he said were helping to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and create conditions for sustained growth.
Idris, however, stressed the need to ensure that improvements in economic indicators translated into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians through job creation, affordable essential services, stronger businesses and increased purchasing power.
Infrastructure and Agriculture
The minister also highlighted the government’s infrastructure development programme, saying ongoing projects were creating opportunities for contractors, suppliers, engineers, artisans, transport operators and other businesses.
He said the administration’s four legacy projects covered approximately 3,000 kilometres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, alongside other investments in road, rail, port, power, healthcare and education infrastructure.
He further cited a recently approved highway project valued at approximately N1.5 trillion in Niger State, which he said would improve connectivity along a major agricultural and commercial corridor.
On agriculture, Idris said the government was prioritising food security through support for mechanisation, access to agricultural inputs, irrigation and financing, with the aim of boosting domestic production, improving farmers’ incomes and reducing food prices.
Healthcare, Education and Job Creation
On healthcare, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government had commissioned two additional cancer treatment centres, bringing the total number of commissioned facilities to five, as it works towards establishing 10 centres nationwide.
He said the investments, alongside efforts to revitalise primary healthcare, were expected to expand access to treatment and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
In the education sector, Idris said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported more than 1.6 million students, disbursing over N192 billion in tuition payments and N180 billion in upkeep allowances.
He said the intervention was helping to ease the financial burden on students, parents and guardians struggling with the cost of higher education.
The minister also highlighted the Three Million Technical Talent programme, which he said was expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire digital skills in software development, data science, cybersecurity and other emerging technology fields.
He added that investments in domestic refining, solid minerals, industrial production and innovation remained central to the government’s efforts to diversify the economy, create sustainable jobs and strengthen long-term economic growth.
