The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the presidency of Babangida Onimisi Isah, has commended the proactive decision of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to order the nationwide deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits as part of efforts to cushion the rising cost of transportation and reduce dependence on petrol.
The Council described the strategic intervention as timely, noting that it demonstrates the administration’s commitment to addressing the economic pressures currently facing Nigerians following global disruptions triggered by the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the Middle East. According to the NYCN, the initiative to accelerate the transition to CNG-powered vehicles is a bold step toward reducing transportation costs, promoting energy diversification, and supporting sustainable economic resilience.
However, the NYCN noted that the conflict in the Middle East continues to exert significant pressure on global energy markets, with ripple effects being felt across many economies, including Nigeria. Despite being a crude oil producing nation, the Council observed that Nigeria remains vulnerable to global market shocks due to its dependence on the importation of refined petroleum products.
The Council stated that the geopolitical instability has already begun to manifest in several economic challenges affecting Nigerians. These include rising petrol prices and transportation costs which directly affect daily mobility and productivity. It also highlighted the increase in the cost of goods and services, particularly essential commodities, as well as inflationary pressure on food items which is affecting the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The Council further noted that higher logistics costs for businesses are leading to increased market prices, while growing economic anxiety among young Nigerians persists as many struggle with unemployment and reduced economic opportunities.
With the approaching Eidil Fitri and Easter festive periods, the Council expressed concern that the prices of staple food items and other basic commodities may rise sharply, placing additional burdens on Nigerian households.
While commending the CNG initiative, the NYCN respectfully recommended additional interventions by the Federal Government to further cushion the impact of the global energy shock and stabilize the domestic economy. The Council suggested that considering Nigeria currently enjoys profitable crude oil sales in the global market, the government may introduce a temporary subsidy or support framework on fuel importation to moderate pump prices and reduce transportation costs during the period of global instability.
The NYCN also urged the Federal Government to allocate more crude oil to domestic refineries, particularly the Dangote Refinery, as well as other modular refineries, in order to boost local refining capacity and ensure cheaper and more stable fuel availability for Nigerians. In addition, the Council recommended that the deployment of 100,000 CNG conversion kits should be expanded to include youth transport operators, commercial drivers, logistics companies and student transport systems in order to accelerate adoption and significantly reduce transportation costs nationwide.
The Council further called for strategic food market interventions by the government, including the release of grains from national reserves and the provision of transportation and logistics subsidies for farmers to prevent food price spikes during the festive season. It also advocated for a well-structured food support programme targeting vulnerable households, particularly youth-led families and low-income communities, to cushion the expected increase in food prices.
According to the NYCN, the CNG initiative should also be linked with youth technical training programmes to create jobs in CNG vehicle conversion, gas infrastructure maintenance and alternative energy services. The Council added that the Federal Government may consider establishing a transport stabilization support scheme for commercial transport unions to prevent sudden increases in transport fares.
Furthermore, the NYCN advised that Nigeria should accelerate efforts to build and maintain strategic fuel reserves in order to better shield the country from future global supply disruptions.
The Council acknowledged the growing concerns among young Nigerians regarding rising living costs. While noting that many youths are considering the use of peaceful demonstrations to seek further government intervention, the NYCN encouraged constructive dialogue and engagement with government institutions.
It stated that the Council remains committed to working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure that youth voices are heard and that pragmatic solutions are implemented to protect the welfare of Nigerians.
The NYCN expressed confidence that with coordinated policies and continued leadership from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria can successfully navigate the current global economic uncertainties while strengthening long-term energy and food security.
The Council reiterated its readiness to collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners and development institutions to support policies that will safeguard the economic stability of Nigeria and the well-being of its young population.
The statement was signed by Comrade Babangida Onimisi Isah, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
