Nigeria has officially launched its first fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles for the armed forces, marking a significant milestone in the country’s shift toward clean energy and sustainable defense operations.
Environmental sustainability
The rollout, unveiled at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, includes 20 buses, 50 pickup vans, and 14 executive transport units, all powered by CNG. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader national energy transition strategy aimed at reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and promoting environmental sustainability.
CNG, which is created by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume, emits significantly fewer tailpipe pollutants than petrol and is known for its cost-effectiveness and adaptability across various vehicle types.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, emphasized that the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals while offering long-term cost savings and improved operational efficiency for the military. He called the move a transformative step toward modernizing the armed forces through innovation and environmental responsibility.
Matawalle also underlined the need to build technical expertise within the military ranks and to invest in critical infrastructure such as CNG refueling stations at strategic installations to support the transition. The rollout comes amid rising insecurity across Nigeria.
The armed forces have been increasing their capabilities in response to escalating threats from jihadist factions and armed criminal groups. Recent attacks include an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) raid that killed at least 11 people at an IDP camp in Malam Fatori, and a June ambush by bandits that claimed the lives of over 20 soldiers in central Nigeria. This green initiative reflects Nigeria’s efforts to balance security imperatives with climate-conscious policies.