FG launches system to regulate gas vehicle conversions

The Federal Government has introduced the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), a new digital framework designed to regulate the conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and ensure safety, transparency, and environmental compliance across the sector.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, unveiled the system on Thursday at an NNPC Retail Station in Abuja, describing it as a major milestone in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Decade of Gas Initiative.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr. Louis Ibah, Ekpo explained that the monitoring system would guarantee that only vehicles converted at accredited facilities using certified kits are permitted to refuel at authorised CNG stations.

“The NGVMS provides end-to-end oversight from conversion to refuelling, ensuring both citizen safety and the integrity of Nigeria’s growing CNG ecosystem,” the Minister said.

He noted that the initiative represents a critical step in positioning CNG as a safe, affordable, and sustainable energy alternative for Nigerians amid the global transition to cleaner fuels.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PiCNG), Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, revealed that over $1 billion in private sector investments had already been injected into the country’s CNG value chain.

Ahmed added that additional conversion and refuelling stations are scheduled for commissioning nationwide before the end of 2025, as part of efforts to deepen access to CNG infrastructure.

Leaders of major transport unions who attended the event commended President Tinubu for the initiative, saying the PiCNG programme has already provided over one million free CNG kits, buses, and tricycles (Keke) to members.

They, however, urged the Federal Government to prioritise commercial vehicles in the ongoing rollout and expand refuelling stations to all states to maximise the benefits of the transition.