Speaker Inaugurates Second NASENI-Portland CNG Centre in Abuja

• NASENI’s Kubwa CNG facility converts 20 vehicles daily, supporting cleaner fuel adoption and job creation, aligning with Nigeria’s sustainable economy goals

• The NASENI-Portland partnership exemplifies private sector-driven economic growth, with government acting as catalyst for affordable, cleaner transportation energy

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has applauded the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its drive towards affordable and cleaner energy through its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme.

Abbas, whom Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh represented, gave the commendation during the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion Training Centre and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja. He described the initiative as a step towards easing the burden of high energy costs on Nigerians while improving the quality of life.

Highlighting the global success of CNG adoption in countries such as Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran, the Speaker expressed optimism that Nigeria could lead Africa in the transition to cleaner fuel.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said the NASENI-Portland partnership showcased how the private sector could drive economic growth. “Our role as government is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for Nigerians,” she stated.

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Muhammad Halilu, explained that the Kubwa facility, comprising a CNG conversion hub, training centre, and refill station, fits into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified and sustainable economy.

According to him, the station can convert up to 20 vehicles daily, with plans to replicate similar centres across all 36 states and the FCT within a year. He outlined the benefits of CNG, including reduced fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, job creation, and energy security. Halilu further disclosed that NASENI had trained 30 engineers in CNG conversion and clean energy technologies.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended the project and called on other agencies to support NASENI’s efforts.

Additionally, the Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the federal government, stressing that the CNG initiative would significantly reduce transportation costs and alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians.