By Esther Ososanya
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to lead by example in transitioning to clean energy by integrating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) into military logistics and establishing dedicated refuelling infrastructure across bases.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of over 80 CNG-powered vehicles at the Mogadishu Cantonment Parade Ground in Abuja, Matawalle described the development as a strategic turning point in both national security and sustainable energy adoption.
He said embracing CNG is not just an economic choice but a forward-looking national security imperative.
CNG Transition Key to Long-Term Energy Security
“This is not a one-off event but the beginning of a long-term, systematic change,” Matawalle said, noting that clean energy solutions would not only reduce operating costs but also strengthen military readiness by aligning logistics with modern energy trends.
He commended the Armed Forces for embracing the initiative with enthusiasm and called on the high command to deepen their commitment by constructing CNG refuelling stations and training personnel to operate and maintain the systems effectively.
Military Commended for Leading Energy Shift
“The Defence Ministry will continue to support policies that improve national security while also aligning with the country’s environmental and developmental goals,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa said the addition of CNG vehicles to the military fleet reflects the government’s commitment to green energy and cost-effective governance.
“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development,” General Musa said, adding that CNG offers a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative to traditional fuel sources.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.