Frequently Asked
Questions

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas — primarily methane — that has been compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored in high-pressure cylinders installed in a vehicle and used as a fuel in place of petrol or diesel.

CNG powers vehicles in virtually the same way as petrol: it is mixed with air and ignited in the engine. Vehicles converted to CNG can typically run on either CNG or petrol (bi-fuel), giving drivers flexibility. CNG burns more cleanly than liquid fuels, producing fewer harmful emissions per kilometre driven.

Most petrol-powered vehicles can be converted to CNG, including:

Cars & saloons — Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, and most common Nigerian fleet vehicles.
Buses & minibuses — Hiace vans, Sienna people-carriers, larger commercial buses.
Tricycles (Keke NAPEP) — widely converted across Nigeria.
Trucks & heavy vehicles — larger conversions for commercial fleet operations.

Diesel-powered vehicles require a different conversion process (diesel retrofit/dual-fuel). A certified Pi-CNG technician at any approved conversion centre can assess your specific vehicle.

CNG is widely considered safer than petrol in several important ways:

• CNG cylinders are built to withstand significant impact — they are tested to pressures far beyond operating conditions.
• Natural gas is lighter than air. If a leak occurs, it disperses upward rather than pooling on the ground like petrol.
• CNG has a narrow flammability range (5–15% concentration in air), making it harder to ignite accidentally.
• CNG vehicles are used safely in millions of vehicles globally — in Pakistan, Iran, India, Italy, and across Latin America.

The key requirement is proper installation at an authorised Pi-CNG conversion centre by trained technicians, and regular inspection of cylinders and fittings.

CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol on a per-kilometre basis. Nigerian drivers who switch to CNG report fuel cost savings of 40–60% compared to petrol, depending on driving patterns and vehicle type.

For a commercial bus driver doing 200km daily, this can translate to savings of ₦15,000–₦25,000 per month or more. The conversion cost is typically recovered within 6–12 months of regular use.

Additional benefits include lower engine wear (CNG burns cleaner, reducing deposits) and potential for lower maintenance costs over time.

Compared to petrol, CNG produces:

• ~25% less CO₂ per kilometre
• Up to 90% less carbon monoxide emissions
• Near-zero particulate matter — reducing urban smog and respiratory health risks
• Virtually no sulphur oxides

For Nigeria specifically, where urban congestion in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano creates serious air quality challenges, widespread CNG adoption would meaningfully improve public health outcomes. Pi-CNG & EV's transition programme is designed to contribute directly to Nigeria's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Yes — and the network is expanding rapidly. Pi-CNG & EV has established 75 refuelling stations across 20 states, with significant coverage in the Southwest, North Central, South-South, and now the North — following the inauguration of the Northern CNG & EV Corridor in Kano in May 2026.

Conversion centres are operating in all six geopolitical zones. You can find your nearest station or centre using our infrastructure finder: Refuelling Stations → and Conversion Centres →

Conversion costs vary by vehicle type and kit specification, but approximate ranges are:

• Passenger cars — ₦350,000–₦600,000
• Commercial buses/vans — ₦450,000–₦800,000
• Tricycles (Keke NAPEP) — ₦180,000–₦280,000

Under the Presidential Initiative's mass conversion drive, subsidised conversions have been made available for commercial transport operators, with some conversions offered at significantly reduced cost. Contact your nearest approved conversion centre for current pricing and any available subsidy programmes.

A standard CNG conversion typically takes 4–8 hours at an approved conversion centre — most vehicles are done within a single working day.

More complex conversions (larger vehicles, diesel retrofits) may take 1–2 days. After installation, technicians perform a full safety check and calibration before returning the vehicle to the owner.

Only convert at Pi-CNG & EV approved conversion centres. Using unaccredited workshops risks improper installation, which is both dangerous and may void your warranty.

Use our Conversion Centres finder to locate the nearest approved centre in your state. Centres are operating across all 36 states and FCT.

When done correctly by certified technicians using approved equipment, CNG conversion does not damage your vehicle. In fact, CNG's cleaner combustion often results in less engine wear over time.

• The CNG system is installed alongside the existing petrol system (bi-fuel), not in place of it
• Engine components are not modified — only fuel delivery components are added
• Boot/trunk space may be slightly reduced to accommodate the cylinder
• A minor reduction in maximum power output (3–5%) is typical — negligible in everyday driving

Always insist on a genuine Pi-CNG approved conversion kit and certified installation.

Yes. Pi-CNG & EV has trained over 7,000 auto-technicians across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones through its Technician Training Programme. These certified technicians are deployed at approved conversion centres nationwide.

The training programme continues to expand capacity. If you are a mechanic or automotive professional interested in CNG training, contact us via our contact page.

Yes. Standard Pi-CNG conversions are bi-fuel — your vehicle retains the full petrol system and can switch between CNG and petrol at the touch of a dashboard-mounted switch.

This gives you complete flexibility: use CNG where available for lower fuel costs, and switch to petrol when needed. You never have to worry about being stranded if you can't find a CNG station.

There is a slight reduction in maximum horsepower on CNG (typically 3–8%), because CNG has a lower energy density per unit volume than petrol vapour. However, for everyday driving — commuting, intercity travel, commercial transport — this difference is imperceptible.

Many drivers report that acceleration feels smooth and responsive on CNG. The trade-off in power is far outweighed by the fuel cost savings.

Range on CNG depends on the cylinder size installed and the vehicle's fuel efficiency. Typical ranges:

• Passenger car with standard 50-litre equivalent cylinder — approximately 200–300km per fill
• Commercial bus — approximately 180–250km per fill depending on load

Remember that bi-fuel vehicles can switch to petrol when CNG runs low, effectively giving unlimited combined range. The CNG network is also expanding — 75 stations across 20 states and growing.

Because Pi-CNG conversions are bi-fuel, you simply switch your dashboard toggle from CNG to petrol and continue driving. There is no delay, no loss of power, and no risk of being stranded.

Use our Refuelling Stations map to plan ahead and locate the nearest CNG station on your route. The network is growing — stations are being added monthly as the initiative expands.

The Presidential Initiative on CNG & EV is executing a multi-phase infrastructure expansion plan:

• Refuelling stations — 75 stations now operational across 20 states, with expansion targets covering all 36 states and FCT
• Conversion centres — Approved centres in all six geopolitical zones, with new centres being accredited continuously
• Private sector investment — Pi-CNG & EV actively facilitates private investment in CNG infrastructure through MoU frameworks, including partnerships with international firms like You Jie Te (YJT) of China
• Northern Corridor — The Kano CNG & EV Corridor inaugurated in May 2026 is a landmark expansion of infrastructure into northern Nigeria

Track our infrastructure progress on the Impact page.

While everyone benefits from cleaner air and a more stable transport economy, the greatest immediate beneficiaries are:

• Commercial transport operators — bus and taxi drivers who spend a large portion of daily revenue on fuel see the most dramatic cost savings
• Tricycle (Keke NAPEP) operators — lower fuel cost directly increases take-home income
• Urban commuters — cheaper operating costs for drivers translate to lower fares
• Logistics and delivery businesses — fleet operators managing high daily mileage benefit significantly
• Ordinary Nigerians — through lower transport costs and reduced fuel import burden on the national economy

Several converging factors make this the right time:

• Fuel subsidy removal — The removal of petrol subsidy under President Tinubu's administration significantly increased fuel costs for ordinary Nigerians. CNG provides an affordable, domestically sourced alternative.
• Abundant domestic gas — Nigeria holds some of the world's largest natural gas reserves. CNG allows this resource to benefit Nigerians directly, rather than being solely for export.
• Global energy transition — CNG is a practical, lower-cost bridge fuel as Nigeria transitions toward longer-term clean energy and electric vehicle adoption.
• Economic diversification — Building a domestic CNG value chain creates hundreds of thousands of jobs — from conversion technicians to station attendants to equipment manufacturers.

The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) is a Federal Government programme established under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, coordinated through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy & Coordination — Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU).

It is led by Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed OON, Executive Chairman/CEO, who reports directly to the Presidency. The initiative has a full technical and administrative team executing the programme nationwide.

Pi-CNG & EV's mandate covers CNG conversion, refuelling infrastructure, electric mobility, technician training, fleet procurement, and facilitating private investment in the clean transport ecosystem. Learn more about us →