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The Defence Headquarters has received a fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles into its inventory, which underscores its commitment to strengthening military infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and embracing sustainable, forward-thinking solutions in line with global best practices.

The new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles that reflect the ongoing transformation within the Armed Forces of Nigeria were handed over to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, through the Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday, 1st July, 2025, at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

In his remarks, Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle said the commissioning of the CNG Vehicles is a direct fulfilment of Mr. President's strategic vision to reposition Nigeria as a global player in clean energy adoption and to set the public sector on the front line of climate-conscious governance.

Matawalle said the global energy landscape is on the brink of profound transformation as nations confront the direct challenges of climate change and energy security.

He noted that this transition is not a one-off event, but the beginning of a long-term systematic change. There is an urgent call to adopt cleaner and more efficient alternatives to pursue Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural gas reserves.

"It is, therefore, both logical and visionary, that we harness these God-given resources to power our means of transportation. By transitioning a position, a version of Armed Forces vehicles to CNG, while reducing operational fuel costs, it can play and contribute to the national effort.

"To cut down these greenhouse gas emissions and meet our global environmental objectives, we are also demonstrating innovation and adaptability in military logistics and mobility. I am glad that the military is leading this public sector transition to cleaner energy. Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to start infrastructure, including CNG refuelling stations across military bases and train technological personnel to maintain their system.

"The Armed Forces must plan for the seamless integration of sustainability and sustainable energy solutions into logistic operations and procurement. We must make sure that the overall energy efficiency is the same as the general energy efficiency, and that the most important thing is the energy efficiency.

"This milestone would not have been possible without the interagency cooperation and the robust support of our partners in the energy and automated industries.

He commended the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Services for embracing this initiative with commendable enthusiasm. He assured them that the Minister of Defence remains committed to championing policies that not only enhance national security but also align with Nigeria's economic, environmental, and developmental aspirations.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in his remarks stressed that the introduction of CNG vehicles into the Defence Headquarters fleet is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government's dedication to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring cost-effective service delivery.

The CDS emphasised that, unlike traditional fuel sources, CNG offers a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative, aligning our mobility strategy with global best practices and sustainable development. 

"This initiative is directly aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which prioritises innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. In doing so, we enhance operational effectiveness while supporting national developmental goals. 

"We can assure you this will be a model for all. I also like to commend the dedicated team of CNG for their initiative on compressed natural gas that ensured the successful execution of this project," he noted

He commended the dedicated team of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas that ensured the successful execution of this project. 

Your professionalism, commitment, and attention to detail are instrumental in bringing this to fruition. I also wish to appreciate all our invited guests who have honoured our invitation to the event. 

The Programme Director,  P-CNGi, Engr. Michael Olugbemi, revealed that their first pilot project was the Nigerian Army, the conversion of over 70 vehicles and to expanded to 100. 

"Last week, we started a new phase in that partnership by commissioning into their fleet five high-capacity buses that will be conveying officers and men of the Nigerian Army, and also signing up to a training program as well as a conversion program that will see over 5,000 vehicles of Army personnel converted to sea engines. I believe this deserves a round of applause," he said

He revealed that the organisation is currently in discussion with the DHQ on Capacity development programs for the armed forces. "We are also discussing with all the other hams, Navy and Air Force, and we are finalising a memorandum of understanding, not just around capacity development, but also sharing facilities, especially dotted stations, training centres, and conversion centres across the country. 

He stressed that becoming energy independent and secure is a task that must be done.

The Chief of Defence Logistics, Maj.-Gen. Gabriel Ochigbano, earlier in his opening remarks, said in line with the national drive, the Defence Headquarters has been partnering closely with the presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas to key into the initiative.

"As part of this collaboration, our own Armed Forces electrical and mechanical facility, engineer facility, which is located just behind the parade ground here, has been positioned to train personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in CNG vehicle operation and conversion.

"The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also providing combat PPDs in the United States, Australia, and Central America," he said

Dignitaries at the commissioning include the Minister of State of Defence, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Executive Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Senior Principal Officers of the Armed Forces, Senior Officers and Members of the Presidential CNG Initiative.