Nigeria’s push to soften the blow of rising petrol prices has received a major endorsement from the Association of African Automotive Journalists (AAAJ), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the immediate rollout of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide.
The pan-African body of top automotive journalists described the presidential order as a bold, strategic, and timely intervention that could significantly reduce transportation costs for millions of Nigerians while accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy.
Reacting to the directive, AAAJ President Mike Ochonma praised the move as a decisive response to the mounting economic pressure caused by soaring petrol prices.
According to him, the rollout of 100,000 conversion kits signals the Federal Government’s determination to provide practical solutions for commuters and vehicle owners struggling with escalating transport costs.
“The directive for the immediate rollout of 100,000 CNG conversion kits is a bold and commendable step towards cushioning the impact of rising petrol prices on Nigerians,” Ochonma said. “It demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to offering practical alternatives for commuters and private car owners battling high transportation costs.”
He noted that the widespread adoption of CNG technology could dramatically slash vehicle operating costs, particularly for commercial transport operators and logistics companies, helping to stabilize transport fares across major cities.
For years, industry stakeholders have advocated for greater adoption of CNG as a cleaner and significantly cheaper alternative to petrol. Ochonma said the accelerated rollout of conversion kits could become a turning point that drives mass acceptance of gas-powered mobility across Nigeria.
The AAAJ President, who previously served as Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (2019–2025), also stressed that the policy has the potential to unlock new investments in Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.
According to him, the initiative could stimulate the growth of conversion centres, CNG refuelling infrastructure, and local manufacturing of automotive components, creating jobs while strengthening the nation’s energy diversification strategy.
However, he urged government agencies and private sector partners to ensure that the rollout is backed by adequate CNG refuelling stations, strict safety standards, and robust technical training for conversion technicians.
“With proper infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading CNG mobility hub in Africa while reducing the country’s fuel import burden,” he added.
Ochomna also reaffirmed AAAJ’s commitment to promoting public awareness of alternative mobility solutions, particularly the benefits of CNG and other cleaner automotive technologies across the African continent.
The Association of African Automotive Journalists, formed in Kigali, Rwanda on April 24, 2025, brings together automotive journalists from across Africa with the mission of promoting excellence in automotive reporting and amplifying the voice of the continent’s fast-growing automotive industry.
