Inside Northern states’ CNG transition as Tinubu pushes for swift adoption

A day after President Bola Tinubu ordered the rapid nationwide deployment of 100,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversion kits, an investigation across several northern states indicates that infrastructure shortages, limited technical capacity and low public awareness could slow adoption of the government’s alternative fuel programme.

The directive, issued under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal by expanding access to cheaper and cleaner fuel options.

However, field reports from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau, and several northeastern states suggest that while the policy direction from Abuja is clear, readiness on the ground remains uneven.

Read also: Tinubu orders deployment of 100,000 CNG conversion kits to cushion fuel crisis

Kano conversion centre signals federal push

In Kano State, the Federal Government has begun expanding technical capacity with the inauguration of a CNG vehicle conversion centre in Gundutse, Kura Local Government Area.

Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipan, director-general of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, said the facility would serve both as a vehicle conversion hub and a training centre for technicians who will maintain gas-powered vehicles.

According to him, the Gundutse facility is part of a nationwide network of 21 centres planned under the alternative fuel programme, with 15 already equipped while work continues on the remaining sites.

He urged automobile technicians and trainees to take advantage of the programme to acquire specialised skills needed for converting petrol engines to run on CNG.

However, Magaji Sani, president of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, said many mechanics lack the specialised tools required for such conversions.

“We support the programme, but technicians need financial support to buy the tools required for engine assembly and conversion,” he said, urging the government to provide soft loans for technicians.

Katsina launches first CNG station

In neighbouring Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, governor of the state, recently inaugurated the Greenville LNG–CNG Hub Station — the first gas refueling facility in the state.

Radda described the project as a critical step toward energy security and economic growth.

“Energy is the backbone of security, productivity and economic growth. Reliable power is essential for businesses, public services and communities,” he said.

While stakeholders welcomed the development, analysts say a single station may not be sufficient to support large-scale adoption across the state.

Jigawa moves to build conversion network

Jigawa State appears to be moving faster in preparing for the transition.

Governor Umar Namadi has approved the construction of four conversion centres in Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel as part of a broader plan to establish CNG facilities across all 27 local government areas.

The state government earlier approved ₦117 million for a pilot conversion centre in Dutse and has trained at least 120 local artisans and youth in vehicle conversion, maintenance and safety procedures.

Officials say the initiative — implemented in partnership with private firms including Safa and Fresh International Limited — could reduce fuel costs for residents by about 60 percent while creating new technical jobs.

Kebbi, Zamfara yet to begin rollout

Elsewhere, preparations remain at the planning stage.

In Kebbi State, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state intends to implement the initiative soon.

“The governor wants to begin it here in Kebbi as well. It is an initiative this country needs,” he said.

Attempts to reach Sulaiman Bala, spokesman to the governor of Zamfara State, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Kaduna shows early economic gains

In Kaduna State, early adoption of CNG-powered buses is already demonstrating the programme’s economic potential.

Ibrahim Inuwa, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Transport Authority, said the buses transported 683,650 passengers between July and September 2025, generating transport fare savings estimated at ₦738.8 million.

Ridership increased further in October and November when an additional 626,710 passengers saved about ₦667.2 million.

Operating across routes in Kaduna metropolis, Zaria and Kafanchan with a fleet of 30 buses, the service now carries an average of 18,426 passengers daily.

Officials say the scheme has lowered commuting costs while stimulating small-scale trading activities and improving mobility for low-income residents.

Awareness gap in Plateau

In Plateau State, awareness about the initiative appears limited.

Automobile technicians Danjuma Alex and Ibrahim Musa told BusinessDay they were hearing about CNG vehicle conversions for the first time.

Attempts to obtain clarification from Samuel Gwott, general manager of Plateau Express Services Limited, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Industry observers say the absence of refuelling stations and trained technicians in the state could complicate efforts to introduce gas-powered vehicles.

Northeast infrastructure gaps persist

Findings across the six states of Nigeria’s northeast show that only Borno State and Adamawa State currently have electric vehicle charging centres, though a CNG station is still under construction in Borno.

A resident, Jubrin Aliyu, said infrastructure challenges remain a major concern.

“To be frank with you, we are not there yet in terms of infrastructure,” he said.

“How many service centres do we have in the northeast? I think only one is in Yola and it is outside the city. In Borno we have two charging stations, but only one is operational.”

He urged the government to prioritise road repairs and security along major highways before expanding alternative fuel programmes.

Early EV experiments in Maiduguri

However, Patrick Mark, a public analyst, commended the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum in Borno for promoting electric vehicle infrastructure.

“I have seen the charging station on Kano Road in Maiduguri. Some people have already started using electric vehicles here,” he said.

According to him, the state government has imported several non-fossil fuel vehicles for commercial use, which are gradually appearing on the streets of the city.

Baba Kaka Bunu, energy analyst noted that electric vehicles can significantly reduce air pollution because they produce zero tailpipe emissions.

However, he said high battery costs, limited charging infrastructure and range limitations remain key obstacles to wider adoption.

Yobe charging station yet to start operations

In Yobe State, the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni has installed electric charging stations in Potiskum, though operations have not yet commenced.

Usman Elwakil, focal person on youth empowerment to the governor, said administrative processes were delaying the launch.

“Yes, we have an EV charging centre in Yobe. It was inaugurated last month but operations have not started. I can assure you they will begin very soon,” he said.

Read also: Why Lagos is betting on CNG amid global EV push

Infrastructure remains the key test

Nationally, PiCNG says about 77 CNG refuelling stations are currently at different stages of development.

Ismael Ahmed, executive chairman of the programme, said the stations are being built along major transport corridors linking Lokoja, Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano, with plans to extend the network toward Maiduguri.

The initiative also includes partnerships with local and international manufacturers to assemble electric vehicles in Nigeria. The Rural Electrification Agency plans to deploy solar-powered charging stations in off-grid communities.

Analysts say the success of the policy will depend largely on how quickly infrastructure expands beyond major urban corridors.

Without sufficient recharging stations, trained technicians and public awareness campaigns, they warn the government’s ambitious transition to cheaper gas-powered mobility could face significant delays despite strong policy backing from Abuja.