The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged the military to adopt clean energy practices by incorporating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) into their logistics systems and establishing the necessary infrastructure across military installations.
During the commissioning of over 80 CNG-powered vehicles at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Matawalle emphasized that transitioning to cleaner energy is essential for addressing current security issues and cutting down on fuel expenses.
“I’m pleased that the military is at the forefront of this public sector shift to clean energy,” he said at the event held at the Mogadishu Cantonment Parade Ground.
He noted that this move marks the beginning of a long-term transformation rather than a one-time initiative.
Matawalle reaffirmed the Defence Ministry’s commitment, under his leadership, to advancing policies that bolster national security while supporting Nigeria’s environmental and developmental objectives.
He commended the military’s positive response to the initiative and encouraged further efforts, including the establishment of CNG refueling stations and training programs for personnel to effectively operate and maintain the new systems.
He stressed the need for the Armed Forces to fully integrate sustainable energy solutions into their logistics and procurement strategies.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted that the inclusion of CNG vehicles reflects the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and efficient service delivery.
“CNG provides a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional fuels,” he stated, adding that the initiative supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.