Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has recently taken possession of 84 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles, including 20 buses, 50 Jet Lander pickup vehicles, and 14 Jet Mover Executive buses, to enhance its operational capabilities. This acquisition, which forms part of a collaborative effort with the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Minister Matawalle emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic approach towards achieving energy sustainability, economic efficiency, and environmental resilience in the country. The inauguration of these vehicles aligns with President Bola Tinubu's strategic vision of positioning Nigeria as a leader in clean energy adoption and promoting climate-conscious governance.
Matawalle highlighted the urgency of adopting cleaner and more efficient energy alternatives, given Nigeria's abundant natural gas reserves. He stated that transitioning part of the Armed Forces' fleet to CNG-powered vehicles would not only reduce operational fuel costs but also contribute significantly to national efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet global environmental objectives. The transition demonstrates innovation and adaptability in military logistics and mobility.
The minister commended the military for spearheading the public sector's shift to cleaner energy, noting that this transition marks the beginning of a long-term systematic change. He called for a focus on developing supporting infrastructure, such as CNG refueling stations across military bases, and training personnel to maintain these systems.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, noted that the transition to CNG vehicles is part of an ongoing transformation within the armed forces. This move underscores their commitment to strengthening military infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and embracing sustainable solutions in line with global best practices. Musa remarked that the milestone reflects Nigeria's dedication to environmental sustainability, energy security, and technological innovation.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Coordinator of the P-CNGi Initiative, highlighted that the armed forces have been at the forefront of adopting CNG from the onset. He mentioned that the first pilot project involved the Nigerian Army, starting with the conversion of 30 vehicles, which has now expanded to 100. Additionally, there is a program in place to convert over 5,000 army personnel vehicles to CNG engines, further demonstrating the initiative's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.