Matawalle Urges Military to Integrate Clean Energy in Logistics, Expand CNG Infrastructure
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has called on the Nigerian military to incorporate clean energy into its logistics operations and support the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at a defence sector meeting in Abuja, Matawalle emphasized the urgent need for the armed forces to align with the Federal Government’s energy reform agenda, especially in the aftermath of petrol subsidy removal.
He noted that integrating CNG and other clean energy alternatives into military logistics would reduce costs, boost efficiency, and contribute to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals.
“The military must take the lead in supporting Nigeria’s energy diversification agenda,” Matawalle said. “We need to integrate clean energy sources like CNG and solar into our logistics and operations.
This is both a cost-effective and environmentally responsible approach to powering our vehicles, bases, and forward operations.”
The Minister’s call comes as the Nigerian Army intensifies its efforts to transition to CNG-powered transportation. Recently, the Army took delivery of five CNG-powered buses in Abuja.
According to the Chief of Army Logistics, Major General Erema Akerejola, 70 military vehicles have already been converted to run on CNG, with 30 more undergoing conversion. Personnel training programs are also underway to build technical expertise in CNG maintenance and operations.
The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), has been advocating the adoption of CNG as an alternative to petrol, with plans to establish more conversion centres and mobile refueling units nationwide.
Matawalle also urged military leadership to work with federal agencies, private sector operators, and development partners to accelerate the deployment of CNG infrastructure along major logistics corridors. He pointed to the example of Dangote Cement, which has invested over $280 million to convert its fleet to CNG, and logistics firms like Atlas Core Energy, which are establishing conversion hubs and electrified transport options.
Despite growing interest in clean energy solutions, challenges remain. Experts highlight the limited number of CNG refueling stations, high conversion costs estimated between ₦600,000 and ₦835,000 per vehicle, and inadequate public awareness as barriers to widespread adoption.
Matawalle acknowledged these issues but stressed that coordinated action would be key to overcoming them. “We must work with relevant ministries, private partners, and development agencies to establish more CNG conversion hubs and ensure access to refueling infrastructure across key transport corridors,” he said.
Sources within the Ministry of Defence confirmed that discussions are ongoing to expand the military’s CNG conversion programme, with a target of converting 500 additional vehicles by the end of 2025 and procuring mobile refueling trucks and technical equipment.
Defence analysts say the military’s commitment to clean energy could serve as a catalyst for broader national adoption and significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fossil fuels.
