The push for cleaner and cheaper energy in Nigeria received a major boost as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) unveiled its latest Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion, Training, and Refill Centre in Kubwa, Abuja, in partnership with Portland Gas Ltd.
House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, praised the initiative as a step towards improving the lives of Nigerians. He described energy transition as a people-centred process, not just a technological shift, and urged the public to embrace it. Pointing to successes in Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran, Abbas said Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s leader in CNG-powered transportation.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, represented by Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, commended NASENI’s leadership under Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu. She called the partnership with Portland Gas an example of how private sector collaboration can accelerate national development, with government acting as a catalyst.
Halilu outlined NASENI’s ambitious plan to replicate such facilities in all 36 states and the FCT, with the goal of converting every vehicle in the country to CNG. The Kubwa station can handle up to 20 vehicle conversions daily, and the agency has already trained 30 engineers nationwide in CNG technology. He listed lower fuel costs, cleaner air, better engine performance, and job creation as some of the benefits Nigerians can expect.
Guests at the launch included the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), representatives from the FCT Minister’s office, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Technology Incubation Centre, NARTO, NMDPRA, and the Budget Office. All pledged support for NASENI’s mission to make energy more affordable and sustainable.
Portland Gas Managing Director, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, closed the event by thanking the Federal Government and expressing optimism that CNG adoption will ease transportation costs for millions of Nigerians.
