The Association of African Automotive Journalists (AAAJ) has commended Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for directing the immediate rollout of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across the country to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices on commuters and private vehicle owners.
The association, made up of leading automotive journalists across Africa, described the presidential directive as a timely and strategic intervention capable of easing transportation costs while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.
Reacting to the development, President of the association, Mike Ochonma, said the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the economic pressure caused by the rising cost of fuel and transportation.
Ochonma noted that expanding the adoption of CNG technology will not only provide immediate relief to Nigerians but will also strengthen the country’s long-term energy diversification strategy.
“The directive by President Bola Ahmed 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,” he said.
According to him, 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 added.
Ochonma, who served as Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) from 2019 to 2025, further emphasised that the policy would stimulate investment across the automotive ecosystem, including conversion centres, 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 accompanied 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 said.
The AAAJ President also pledged that the association would continue to play its role in educating the public on alternative mobility solutions, particularly the benefits of CNG and other cleaner automotive technologies across Africa.
The Association of African Automotive Journalists was formed in Kigali on April 24, 2025, bringing together automotive journalists from across the African continent to promote excellence in automotive reporting and amplify the voice of Africa’s growing automotive industry.
