Tinubu Advocates Local Benefits in CNG Market Expansion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warned that the expansion of Nigeria's compressed natural gas (CNG) market should not solely benefit foreign suppliers and importers. Speaking at the National Summit in Abuja, represented by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, he stressed the importance of local manufacturers and workers sharing in the market's gains.

Tinubu called for the local assembly of conversion kits and urged partnerships for technology transfer and skills training for various technical roles. The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles reported over 143,000 CNG vehicles in Nigeria and $2.6 billion in private-sector investments.

Tinubu described CNG as an economic development strategy that diversifies fuel options and lowers transport costs. He called for more refueling stations and emphasized the need for reliable gas supply to filling stations.

The President also highlighted the importance of safety and accountability in the sector's expansion, urging regulators to ensure accredited conversion centers.