Nigeria’s Green Transport Revolution: FG Launches CNG and EV Northern Corridor in Kano

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), is set to officially inaugurate the Northern Corridor of its CNG and Electric Vehicle (EV) programme on Thursday in Kano. This landmark event marks a significant step in the nation’s transition toward cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable transportation, particularly for the northern region.

What Is the CNG and EV Northern Corridor?

The Northern Corridor is a strategic infrastructure and policy framework designed to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) across northern Nigeria. It encompasses the establishment of conversion centres, refuelling stations, charging points, and maintenance hubs along key transport routes, starting with Kano as the pilot hub. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported petrol and diesel, lower transportation costs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Why Kano?

Kano was chosen as the launch site due to its status as a major commercial and logistics hub in the north. With a population exceeding 15 million and a thriving informal transport sector—including thousands of minibuses, tricycles (keke NAPEP), and motorcycles—Kano represents a high-impact location for demonstrating the benefits of CNG and EV adoption. The city’s central position also makes it an ideal anchor for a corridor that could eventually extend to cities like Kaduna, Zaria, Jos, and even connect to neighbouring countries via trans-Saharan trade routes.

Key Benefits of the CNG and EV Programme

1. Cost Savings for Transporters and Commuters

CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel—often 40% to 60% less expensive per kilometre. For commercial drivers in Kano, this could translate into substantial daily savings, reducing the cost of goods and services for end consumers. Electric vehicles, while requiring higher upfront investment, offer even lower running costs (equivalent to about ₦10–₦15 per km compared to ₦50–₦70 for petrol).

2. Energy Security and Reduced Import Dependency

Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually importing refined petroleum products, despite being a major oil and gas producer. By shifting to CNG—which can be sourced domestically—and EVs powered by the national grid (which can be supplemented with solar), the country reduces its vulnerability to global oil price shocks and foreign exchange volatility.

3. Environmental and Health Benefits

CNG burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, producing up to 25% less carbon dioxide and significantly fewer particulate matter emissions. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. For cities like Kano, where air pollution from old vehicles is a growing health concern, this transition can improve respiratory health and reduce healthcare costs.

4. Job Creation and Local Industry Development

The programme is expected to create thousands of jobs in vehicle conversion, maintenance, charging station operation, and component manufacturing. Local workshops in Kano can be trained and certified to perform CNG conversions, while assembly plants for electric tricycles and buses could be established in the region.

What to Expect at the Launch Event

The inauguration, scheduled for Thursday, will feature:

• Official ribbon-cutting at a flagship CNG conversion and refuelling centre in Kano.
• Demonstrations of converted vehicles, including taxis, buses, and tricycles.
• Policy announcements regarding subsidies, tax incentives, and financing schemes for commercial operators.
• Partnership signings with private sector players, including gas companies, EV manufacturers, and financial institutions.

Barr. Ismael Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG, is expected to lead the event, alongside senior government officials and representatives from development partners.

Challenges and How They Are Being Addressed

Infrastructure Gaps

One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of CNG refuelling stations and EV charging points in northern Nigeria. The government plans to address this through public-private partnerships, offering land and tax breaks to investors who set up stations along the corridor. Initial stations will be concentrated in Kano, with plans to expand to 20 stations within 12 months.

Vehicle Conversion Costs

Converting a petrol vehicle to CNG can cost between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000, which is prohibitive for many commercial drivers. To mitigate this, the government is introducing a subsidised conversion programme, with costs spread over instalments or linked to low-interest loans from partner banks. Bulk conversion deals with transport unions are also being negotiated.

Public Awareness and Trust

Many Nigerians remain sceptical about the safety and reliability of CNG and EVs. The Pi-CNG team is running a public awareness campaign in Kano, including radio jingles, town hall meetings, and demonstration rides. Safety certifications from international bodies (e.g., ISO standards for CNG cylinders) are being prominently displayed.

Practical Examples: How This Affects You

• For a Kano taxi driver: Converting your car to CNG could save you ₦15,000–₦25,000 per week in fuel costs. The government’s conversion subsidy means you pay only 30% upfront, with the rest deducted from your earnings over six months.
• For a small business owner: Switching your delivery van to CNG reduces operating costs, allowing you to lower prices or increase profit margins. You also benefit from priority access to new refuelling stations.
• For a commuter: Expect lower fares on public transport as operators pass on fuel savings. Over time, you may also see cleaner air and fewer traffic jams as older, polluting vehicles are phased out.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Northern Corridor

The launch in Kano is just the beginning. The government has outlined a phased rollout:

• Phase 1 (2026–2027): Establish 50 CNG stations and 20 EV charging hubs across Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja.
• Phase 2 (2027–2028): Extend to Jos, Bauchi, and Sokoto, with a focus on interstate bus routes.
• Phase 3 (2028–2030): Connect to neighbouring countries (Niger, Chad, Cameroon) as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) transport integration.

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