Amid growing frustration over persistent electricity shortages across Nigeria, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a new policy direction aimed at introducing electric vehicles into the country’s transportation system — a move that has sparked debate given the nation’s ongoing power supply challenges.
For millions of Nigerians, daily life has become increasingly difficult due to erratic electricity supply. Frequent blackouts, compounded by repeated national grid collapses, have disrupted businesses, homes, schools, and industries. Against this backdrop, the government’s announcement of a transition toward electric mobility has been met with both cautious optimism and scepticism.
Earlier, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, publicly apologised to Nigerians over the worsening electricity situation. Speaking at a press briefing, he acknowledged the hardship caused by the outages, particularly during the dry season when demand for electricity tends to spike due to increased use of cooling systems.
Adelabu explained that some of the factors responsible for the power disruptions were beyond the immediate control of the government, citing issues such as limited gas supply to thermal power plants and ongoing infrastructure challenges. While his remarks were intended to reassure the public, they also underscored the structural weaknesses within Nigeria’s energy sector.
It is within this context that the Federal Government has moved to expand the scope of its clean energy transportation programme. The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), which was initially designed to promote gas-powered vehicles as a cheaper alternative to petrol, has now been broadened to include electric vehicles. The initiative will henceforth be known as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PiCNG & EV).
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued on March 26, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the expanded initiative is expected to serve as the central coordinating body for Nigeria’s clean mobility strategy, integrating both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicle solutions.
Under the new mandate, PiCNG & EV will continue to oversee the development of infrastructure needed to support gas-powered vehicles. This includes the rollout of “Mother and Daughter Stations,” which are centralised and satellite refuelling hubs, as well as Integrated Refuelling Units designed to improve accessibility. The programme also aims to scale up the availability of CNG vehicles and conversion kits that allow existing petrol-powered cars to run on gas.
At the same time, the initiative will now take on the responsibility of driving the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. This involves not only promoting the use of EVs but also developing the necessary charging infrastructure and attracting investment into the sector.
Government officials argue that the dual focus on gas and electric mobility is a strategic move that reflects Nigeria’s unique energy realities. While electric vehicles represent a long-term solution aligned with global trends toward decarbonisation, compressed natural gas is seen as a more immediate and practical alternative, given Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves.
According to the presidency, natural gas offers a competitive advantage as a transportation fuel. It is expected to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, lower transportation costs, and help conserve foreign exchange. In addition, gas-powered vehicles are considered cleaner than traditional petrol and diesel engines, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The inclusion of electric vehicles, officials say, strengthens the government’s commitment to building an efficient and environmentally responsible transport system. However, the success of this vision will depend heavily on addressing the underlying issues in the power sector.
Critics have pointed out the apparent contradiction between promoting electric vehicles and grappling with unreliable electricity supply. For many Nigerians, the idea of charging electric cars in a country where power outages are frequent raises practical concerns.
Analysts note that without significant improvements in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, the adoption of electric vehicles could face serious limitations. Charging infrastructure, which is essential for EV usage, relies on a stable power supply — something that remains inconsistent in many parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, the government appears determined to push forward with the initiative. President Tinubu has directed the leadership of PiCNG & EV to take immediate steps to accelerate implementation, particularly in the area of vehicle conversion.
One of the key directives is the rapid deployment of conversion kits that enable petrol-powered vehicles to switch to compressed natural gas. The President emphasised that these kits should be made widely available and affordable, ensuring that ordinary Nigerians can benefit from the transition.
To achieve this, the initiative is expected to collaborate with financial institutions and organisations such as CreditCorp Nigeria to develop financing options that will reduce the cost burden on consumers. The goal is to create flexible payment structures that make vehicle conversion accessible to a broad segment of the population.
In addition, the government has ordered the accelerated rollout of Mobile Refuelling Units (MRUs), which are designed to provide temporary access to CNG while permanent infrastructure is being developed. These units are expected to play a critical role in bridging the gap during the transition phase.
Supporters of the policy argue that it represents a forward-looking approach to transportation and energy use. They contend that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind as the world moves toward cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
However, they also acknowledge that the transition will require careful planning, significant investment, and sustained commitment to reforms in the energy sector.
For now, the introduction of electric vehicles remains more of a long-term aspiration than an immediate reality. The success of the initiative will depend not only on policy implementation but also on the government’s ability to stabilise the power sector and build public confidence.
As Nigerians continue to navigate the challenges of unreliable electricity, the announcement of an electric mobility programme highlights both the ambition and the complexity of the country’s development agenda.
In the coming months and years, the effectiveness of the PiCNG & EV initiative will be closely watched. It has the potential to transform Nigeria’s transportation landscape, but only if the foundational issues — particularly in the power sector — are adequately addressed.
Until then, the contrast between persistent blackouts and the promise of electric vehicles will remain a central point of discussion in the national conversation about energy, infrastructure, and the future of mobility in Nigeria.
