By Nkechi Eze
The Ministry of Defence is moving to embrace Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs for its staff and promote the use of cleaner energy within the defence sector.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) OFR, disclosed this when he received a delegation of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG & EV), led by its Chairman, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, General Musa said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had vast opportunities to deepen the adoption and utilisation of clean energy across the country’s transportation sector.
He noted that embracing CNG and electric vehicles would not only support the Federal Government’s clean energy agenda but also significantly boost military operations nationwide.
The Minister further highlighted the human capital and technical capacity within the Armed Forces, expressing confidence that the military could play a strategic role in advancing the national mandate on CNG and electric vehicle adoption.
Earlier, Ahmed said the delegation’s visit was aimed at securing the Ministry’s partnership to accelerate gas consumption and facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources within the defence sector.
As part of the proposed collaboration, the Pi-CNG & EV Chairman announced plans for the delivery of CNG-powered buses to the Ministry of Defence, a move expected to provide additional transportation support for staff.
Ahmed also urged the Ministry to prioritise sustainable energy sources in addressing its transportation needs.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the adoption of alternative energy within the defence establishment, while supporting efforts to reduce reliance on conventional fuel and ease the transportation burden on Ministry personnel.
