The Association of African Automotive Journalists (AAAJ) has commended Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, for directing the immediate rollout of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits nationwide to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices on commuters and vehicle owners.
The association, which comprises leading automotive journalists across Africa, described the presidential directive as a timely and strategic intervention that could significantly reduce transportation costs while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.
Reacting to the development, President of the Association of African Automotive Journalists, Mike Ochonma, said the initiative demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to easing the economic pressure caused by rising fuel and transportation costs.
According to him, expanding the adoption of CNG technology will not only provide immediate relief to Nigerians but also strengthen the country’s long-term energy diversification strategy.
“The directive by President Bola Tinubu 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.
“It shows a clear commitment by the government to provide practical alternatives for commuters and private car owners struggling with the high cost of transportation”, Ochonma said.
He added that the initiative could significantly reduce operating costs for commercial transporters and logistics operators, thereby helping to stabilise transportation fares across major Nigerian cities.
“For years, stakeholders in the automotive and energy sectors have advocated wider adoption of CNG as a cleaner and more affordable fuel.
The government’s decision to accelerate the rollout of conversion kits will encourage more vehicle owners to embrace gas-powered mobility and reduce dependence on petrol”, he said.
Ochonma, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (2019–2025), further noted that the policy could stimulate fresh investment within the automotive ecosystem, including the establishment of conversion centres, expansion of refuelling infrastructure, and local manufacturing of related components.
He also urged relevant government agencies and private sector partners to ensure that the rollout of the kits is supported by adequate CNG refuelling stations, strict safety standards, and technical training for conversion technicians.
“AAAJ believes that with proper infrastructure development and stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria can emerge as a leading CNG mobility hub in Africa while creating jobs and reducing the nation’s fuel import burden”, he added.
Ochonma also pledged that the association would continue to play an active role in educating the public on alternative mobility solutions, particularly the benefits of CNG and other cleaner automotive technologies across the continent.
The Association of African Automotive Journalists was formed in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, on April 24, 2025. The body brings together automotive journalists from across Africa to promote excellence in automotive reporting and amplify the voice of the continent’s growing automotive industry.