By Habeeb Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive banning the purchase of petrol-dependent vehicles by members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and mandating the procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered (CNG) vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the directive is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring energy security, driving utility, and cutting high fuel costs.
“The President’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers,” the statement read.
Addressing FEC members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as reported by President Tinubu emphasized the need for change, saying, “This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people. It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead.”
The President directed the rejection of all memos seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking affected FEC members to seek value-driven procurement of CNG-compliant vehicles instead.
“The President remains committed to effectively harnessing the nation’s gas potential, alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on the masses while enhancing the standard of living of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
