At the centre of the initiative is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and You Jie Te Environment Technology Ltd (YJT), a Chinese infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider with a strong footprint in the downstream oil and gas space. The agreement focuses on the localisation of manufacturing and assembly of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Nigeria.
The MoU was executed under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and EVs during a five-day working visit to YJT’s factories and corporate offices in Chengdu and Hangzhou, China. The delegation was led by the Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, and formed part of ongoing efforts to secure practical, results-oriented partnerships that can accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.
Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on the local production and assembly of key infrastructure, including CNG dispensers, refuelling stations and EV charging facilities. By shifting production closer to home, the initiative is expected to reduce import dependence, lower project costs and support the growth of domestic manufacturing capacity, while meeting rising demand for cleaner transport energy.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership places strong emphasis on digital integration and system efficiency. YJT’s IoT-based smart monitoring technologies will be deployed across Nigeria’s CNG and EV ecosystem and integrated with Pi-CNG’s National Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS). This will enable real-time monitoring of refuelling equipment, operational performance, regulatory compliance and economic data across stations nationwide, strengthening transparency, safety and service reliability.
Commenting on the agreement, Ahmed described the collaboration as a milestone that extends beyond infrastructure delivery. He noted that localising manufacturing and deploying intelligent monitoring systems would help ensure Nigerians benefit from job creation, skills transfer and more dependable services, while improving efficiency across the entire CNG and EV refuelling value chain.
As part of the China engagement, the Pi-CNG delegation also visited the factory of Sichuan Witent Technology Co. Ltd, a producer of CNG conversion kits. Discussions during the visit explored potential investments in local assembly and full manufacturing lines in Nigeria, aimed at meeting the growing demand for vehicle conversions and further deepening local participation in the gas-to-transport value chain.
According to Pi-CNG, the series of engagements underscores the Federal Government’s strategic approach to international cooperation—one that prioritises technology transfer, domestic capacity building and measurable outcomes. The initiative reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to cleaner, more affordable alternative fuels, while supporting Nigeria’s transition to a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable transport energy system.
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) was established to accelerate the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles as viable alternatives to petrol and diesel, particularly for public transport and commercial fleets. It forms part of the government’s wider energy transition and cost-of-living response, with objectives that include reducing fuel costs, cutting emissions, expanding domestic gas utilisation and creating jobs through local manufacturing, private sector investment and skills development.