Pi-CNG boss seeks partnerships, investment to achieve clean mobility agenda

Ismaeel Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer, Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), says sustained partnerships and investment are critical to achieving Nigeria’s clean mobility agenda.

Mr Ahmed, represented by the Chief Compliance Officer of Pi-CNG & EV, Mr Zayyanu Tamberi, said this at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit, on Thursday in Lagos.

The summit was organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, NAJA, in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC.

The programme has the theme,’Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: the EV and CNG Journey Under the President Bola Tinubu Administration’.

He said that the presidential initiative was driving the transition to cleaner transportation by expanding CNG infrastructure, promoting electric vehicles, supporting local manufacturing and building consumer confidence.

“This initiative has recorded significant progress over the past two years through the expansion of conversion centres and refuelling stations, increased vehicle conversions, training of thousands of technicians.

“It has also led to the deployment of the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System to improve safety and regulatory oversight,” Mr Ahmed said.

He, however, identified inadequate infrastructure, limited consumer financing, weak local manufacturing capacity and the need for continuous technical training, research and standardisation as major challenges requiring joint efforts from all stakeholders.

The Pi-CNG & EV boss described the media as a strategic partner in the transition to clean mobility, urging members of NAJA to promote accurate and balanced reporting.

He urged the media to promote reporting that would deepen public understanding, counter misinformation and boost investor confidence on clean mobility.

Mr Ahmed reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to expanding CNG infrastructure, strengthening regulations, supporting local production and improving access to financing.

“The success will be measured by lower transport costs, job creation, energy security and improved quality of life for Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking on partnerships and investment, the Director General, NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, urged investors to channel funds into CNG stations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to accelerate Nigeria’s clean mobility transition.

Mr Osanipin, represented by Mrs Susan Bisong-Taiwo, the Director, Press and Public Relations, NADDC, said that Nigeria now had 345 certified CNG conversion centres nationwide, but stressed that more investment was needed to expand access.

He said that expanding the access would help reduce queues at refuelling stations.

“Government alone can not provide the infrastructure required for the growing adoption of CNG and electric vehicles, there is the need for private investors to bridge the gap.

“The council also appeal for increased investment in EV charging stations, as inadequate charging infrastructure discourages motorists from using electric vehicles for long-distance travel,” Mr Osanipin said.

He said that wider investment would support cleaner transportation, improve convenience for motorists and align Nigeria with the global shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy.

The DG reaffirmed the council’s commitment to developing the automotive industry, urging investors to seize opportunities in clean mobility to drive economic growth and create a healthier environment.
NAN