The Federal Ministry of Interior and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) have proposed the establishment of a high-level working group to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across agencies under the Ministry.
The proposal was announced when the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, Ismaeel Ahmed, at his office.
Speaking during the meeting, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the strong alignment between Pi-CNG’s objectives and the Ministry’s broad operational mandate.
He noted that the Ministry oversees 264 correctional centres, Civil Defence formations, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and more than 4,000 kilometres of national borders, creating vast opportunities for CNG integration.
He explained that adopting CNG would enable vehicle conversions for security fleets, improve logistics operations, and strengthen border surveillance capabilities. According to the Minister, the initiative would also promote cleaner energy use, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver significant cost savings.
To ensure rapid implementation, Tunji-Ojo directed the immediate establishment of a structured joint working group. He said the Ministry’s Director of Joint Services would lead the team, with representatives drawn from key agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Fire Service.
The Minister also urged Pi-CNG to nominate its representatives to join the working group to ensure effective coordination and implementation.
In his remarks, Ahmed commended the Minister’s reform-driven leadership, describing his efforts as transformative and impactful within a short period.
He outlined the key focus areas of the proposed partnership to include fleet conversion to CNG across paramilitary agencies, the creation of a credit facility to support vehicle conversions and improve energy access for personnel, and capacity building through specialised training and technical development.
Ahmed expressed confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to advancing cleaner, renewable, and sustainable energy solutions, noting that the collaboration would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
The proposed working group is expected to accelerate the nationwide adoption of CNG within the Ministry’s agencies, reinforcing government efforts to reduce fuel costs and promote environmentally sustainable alternatives.