The Federal Government of Nigeria has embarked on a strategic initiative to transform the nation's transportation sector by launching its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion app. Spearheaded by the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), this platform is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for Nigerians from premium motor spirit (PMS) to CNG-powered vehicles. The government asserts that the app, readily available for download on both Google Play and Apple Stores, will offer users real-time information regarding nearby conversion centres, enable appointment bookings, provide purchase discounts, and deliver timely updates on fuel prices.

A significant aspect of this initiative focuses on the ride-hailing sector. The government anticipates that the program will lead to substantial reductions in booking prices for services like Uber and Bolt. This is to be achieved through its RideShare CNG Conversion Incentive Programme, which offers discounted conversion rates for ride-hailing drivers. Emphasizing its commitment, the government stated, “The strategic journey to powering Nigeria’s transportation sector with a clean energy source has begun in earnest and no stone will be left unturned to make its adoption as easy as possible.”

Despite the ambitious goals, the initial rollout of the CNG conversion app has encountered several technical hurdles. The app, currently at version 1.2.4 with a modest size of 36.6 MB, requires users to create an account, demanding personal details such as names, email addresses, and passwords. A critical issue arises during this stage concerning the National Identification Number (NIN). While the NIN system typically includes three names (Surname, First name, and Middle name), the app's registration interface only provides fields for First and Last names. This discrepancy poses a significant challenge for users attempting to verify their NIN, as name mismatches prevent successful logins.

Further complicating the user experience, the email verification process has proven unreliable. Numerous users, including a reporter who attempted to use the app for two days, reported failures in receiving verification links, a problem corroborated by complaints on social media. With no in-app support channels, users face difficulty reaching developers. A customer care representative, identified as Obinna, acknowledged these problems as